A pilot program at 16 intersections led to a dramatic reduction in injury crashes and is saving residents roughly $3 million in emergency response and medical expenses.
An Austin pilot program designed to slow down drivers turning left has reduced left-turn crashes involving pedestrians by 46 percent, reports Haley McLeod in Community Impact.
The program is part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative and used quick-build interventions at 16 intersections to slow turning cars and guide safer driving behavior.
The results showed a 56 percent drop in injury crashed and an 82 percent decline in annual crash costs associated with these types of crashes. “The community is estimated to save roughly $3 million each year related to emergency response, medical bills and other damages; crashes average $3.7 million per year before the pilot to $0.7 million in costs after, the report states.”
The city says it will continue monitoring the program’s results and could expand similar treatments to more intersections. According to McLeod, “Since the adoption of Vision Zero in 2015, Austin has invested more than $1.3 billion in safety and mobility improvements through three voter-approved mobility bonds.”
FULL STORY: Austin sees 46% drop in pedestrian crashes after left-turn safety pilot
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