Safety Toolbox: Engineering

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Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

Driveway improvements

Driveway improvements include narrowing or closing driveways, tightening turning radii, converting driveways to right-in-only or right-out only movements, and providing median dividers on wide driveways. When driveways cross sidewalks, it is necessary to maintain a sidewalk level across the driveway of no more than 2 percent sideslope. It is important to minimize large signs and bushes at driveways to improve the visibility between motorists and pedestrians. The sidewalk material should be maintained across the driveway as well.

objective

To reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle conflicts, to improve access for people with disabilities, and to improve visibility between cars and pedestrians at driveways.

applications

Several driveway designs may cause safety and access problems for pedestrians, including excessively wide and/or sloped driveways, driveways with large turning radii, multiple adjacent driveways, driveways that are not well defined, and driveways where motorist attention is focused on finding a gap in congested traffic. In addition, driveways without a level sidewalk landing may not comply with ADA standards.

target population

Disabled Pedestrians, All Pedestrians, Motorists

crash type

Pedestrian R/W Violation-Intersection, Improper Turning

advantages

Easier for pedestrians to cross

disadvantages

Along corridors, driveway consolidation creates the need for u-turns, which can be hazardous along roadways with high speeds or ADTs

pointers

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cost

Low - No additional cost if part of original construction.

responsibility

Public Works Department, Planning Department

further reading

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examples

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related tools

Driveway Signals

Index: alphabetical / cost / crash type / target population

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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Engineering