Decreasing the Potential for Human Error
AAA
Everyone makes mistakes and unfortunately, many happen behind the wheel of a car. Studies show that more than 90 percent of motor vehicle crashes are caused, at least in part, by human error. However, roadway upgrades such as roundabouts and sidewalks could reduce that number.
According to a new infrastructure report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roadway improvements have the potential to save 63,700 lives and prevent 400,000 serious injuries over 20 years.
“We can save tens of thousands of lives and make our roadways safer by investing in low-cost improvements that we already know exist,” said Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, executive director. “Now is the time to act by targeting limited resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
The study says six cost-effective changes could lessen both the likelihood and consequences of crashes:
- Converting key intersections into roundabouts
- Installing roadside barriers and clearing roadside objects
- Adding sidewalks and signalized pedestrian crossings
- Installing median barriers on divided highways
- Installing shoulder and centerline rumble strips
