Concepts posts will expand on ideas discussed in each Fatal Crash Review post.
These ideas will be added to the RESOURCES section of the site.
I will try to keep these short and "screenshot-able" for easy sharing and include at least one link for a deeper dive into the subject.
Each Fatal Crash Review post will be tagged with the concepts discussed.
Once the resources tab gets built up, there may be weeks without a Concepts post because all of the concepts in that post have already been covered.
Daylighting
Daylighting is already the law in Indianapolis, but enforcement is pretty much non-existent. Daylighting an intersection means clearing the sight lines so that all users/modes can safely utilize an intersection. Studies have shown that proper daylighting reduces driver vs. pedestrian incidents by 30%. There are many ways to daylight an intersection. Indianapolis mostly uses "it's the law" and enforcement, which is so ineffective that it's basically nothing. Some intersections, like English and Shelby have been "upgraded" with painted daylighting (so effective that someone is parked in it on Google Satellite view). The best way to daylight is with infrastructure, even if it's temporary (both links show great examples). Drivers don't want to damage their precious vehicles, and the threat of damage is the best way to keep them between the lines.
Lane Control (AKA Pinchpoint)
If you have a full lane designated to parking, it can be a nice safety win to add lane control infrastructure at frequent intervals. This infrastructure could be as simple as a jersey barrier or as elaborate as the landscaped storm water basins that you see along the cultural trail. Pair lane control mid-block with daylighting at intersections and you've created a much safer place for drivers, parking, and other modes to mix.
Median Barriers
A median barrier at an intersection creates access control for drivers. Could be used on "cut-through" routes that drivers use do gain time back on their commute. Another effective use is preventing drivers from trying to cross major arterials. Placing a median barrier breaks up the route and makes it inconvenient for non-local traffic. This will also calm the area since it completely eliminates non-local traffic from the street. Using access control in this way is a very effective way to calm neighborhood streets in urban areas. Best practice is to make these as substantial as possible to prevent BSTs (Big Stupid Trucks) from driving through them.