16. TRAFFIC SAFETY ELEMENT
Traffic Safety is an important component of any effort to improve transportation planning,
whether at the federal, state, regional or local level. According to a public information fact sheet
on traffic safety published in 2000 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
“Deaths and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
persons of every age from 4 through 33 years old (based on 1998 data). Traffic fatalities account
for more than 90 percent of transportation-related fatalities.” Safety measures do make a
difference, however. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
conditions are improving:
Fortunately, much progress has been made in reducing the number
of deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s highways. In 2000,
the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles of travel fell to a new
historic low of 1.5, down from 1.6, the rate from 1997 to 1999. The
1990 rate was 2.1 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. A 71
percent safety belt use rate nationwide and a reduction in the rate
of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes—to 40 percent in 2000
from 50 percent in 1990—were significant contributions to
maintaining this consistently low fatality rate.1
The RTP policies regarding traffic safety are consistent with the safety goals of the local MPO
jurisdictions. These policies attempt to address safety in a range of areas, allowing for a balanced
approach to reducing crashes.
16.1. Education
Policy 16-1:
Local governments shall work with other agencies to promote
traffic safety education and awareness.
Since driver error and the failure of bicyclist and pedestrians to obey the rules of the road are
factors in most crashes, traffic safety education can play a significant role in crash reduction. In
addition, children, who are among the most vulnerable pedestrians, can be better protected
through increasing their awareness of traffic hazards and safety rules. The City of Medford has
begun an intersection camera program that should assist in improving safety.
1 U.S. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for
Statistics and Analysis. “Traffic Safety Facts 2000.” 2000.
16-1
16.2. Enforcement
Policy 16-2:
Local governments shall work to increase traffic safety by actively
enforcing the City and State motor vehicle codes.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, “Research indicates a direct relationship
between traffic law enforcement and crash rates. At 1.63 officers per 1,000 population, Oregon is
significantly below the national rate of 2.2.”2 Two common infractions that have a significant
impact on traffic crash rates and severity are red-light running and speeding. These can be
reduced through the consistent enforcement of safety-related traffic laws. Currently, the City of
Medford is implementing an intersection camera program that should improve road safety.
16.3. Visibility
Policy 16-3:
Local governments shall work to increase traffic safety by
requiring private property owners to maintain vision areas adjacent
to intersections and driveways clear of fences, landscaping, and
foliage that obstruct the necessary views of motorists, bicyclists,
and pedestrians.
Visibility is important, especially at intersections, to allow motorists a clear view of signs,
cyclists, pedestrians, and other cars. While vegetation is important, it can not be allowed to
obstruct a clear line of sight when needed for traffic safety purposes.
16.4. Project Selection
Policy 16-4:
Improving vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian safety issues will be a
high priority consideration in the selection, development, and
construction of street projects.
The RVMPO has surveyed the local jurisdictions’ street networks to determine areas where there
is the most potential for safety improvement projects. Figure 16-1 shows crashes per mile on
local roads in the MPO area. Figure 16-2 shows the intersections in the MPO that have the
highest crash rates or had crashes with fatalities in the year 2000. These maps represent
preliminary information gathering to determine areas where safety projects may be most needed.
Further investigation into the causes of crashes at these sites and possible projects to address
those causes should be included in future planning, both at the regional and local level.
2 “PTS Statistics–2002 Goals.” ODOT Transportation Safety Division Web Page.
http://www.odot.state.or.us/transafety/Police (14 January, 2002)
16-2
Figure 16-1 Accident Zones
16-3
Figure 16-2 Major Accident Sites
16-4
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