INCREASE SIGHT DISTANCES GOAL

Increase awareness and visibility of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists by clearing the sight line of obstructions near intersections and crosswalks.

WHAT IS IT?

Obstructed sight lines can cause many problems for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Specifically for drivers, reaction times and stopping distances can be greatly reduced and cause more serious or fatal crashes. By reducing the obstructions and creating a clear line of sight, a driver will be more aware of the surroundings. Additional signage to warn the drive of upcoming intersections or crosswalks will also help prepare a driver of an approaching stop and increase awareness.

Sight distances are particularly important for areas that see high pedestrian and bicyclist traffic crossing roads. Removing vegetation or creating an embankment are ways of increasing sight distances. In some cases, road construction (realignment) might need to be done where it would be otherwise impossible to create more visibility. This could be more costly but ultimately safer.