Federal Highway Administration Revises Rules to Make Highways Safer
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Calls Updates Needed and Welcome
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 - As part of his continuing effort to
improve safety on the nation's roads and bridges, U.S.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released a comprehensive
update to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The manual, which has been administered by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) since 1971, sets the standards for road
safety throughout the country.
"Safety is this Department's top priority," said Secretary
LaHood. "These new and updated standards will help make our
nation's roads and bridges safer for drivers, construction workers
and pedestrians alike."
The MUTCD is the national standard for all traffic control
devices, including traffic signs, pavement markings, signals and
any other devices used to regulate, warn or guide traffic. Ensuring
uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation - from
their messages and placement to their sizes, shapes and colors -
helps to reduce crashes and traffic congestion. This is the first
comprehensive update to the manual since 2003.
The MUTCD's 2009 edition features many new and updated
requirements, ranging from changes in highway signs and bike lanes
to the color of high-visibility garments worn by road workers. Most
changes are a result of extensive research; however, seven changes
stem from recommendations from the National Transportation Safety
Board. This is the largest number of NTSB recommendations adopted
by the MUTCD at one time.
"Adopting the lessons learned in recent years will help make
roads safer for everyone," said Federal Highway Administrator
Victor Mendez.
By requiring better pavement markings which can increase bike
lane safety, and extending walk times for pedestrians at
crosswalks, the updated MUTCD furthers the "complete streets"
concept - an effort long championed by the FHWA to ensure roads
accommodate all types of travel, not just automobiles.
Among the other new provisions in the MUTCD:
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Replacing highway signs with brighter, larger and more legible ones that are easier to understand at freeway speeds. States will begin using the newer signs as existing ones wear out.
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Adding different lane markings for lanes that do not continue beyond an intersection or interchange to give drivers more warning that they need to move out of the lane if they don't intend to turn.
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Expanding the use of flashing yellow arrow signals at some intersections to give a clearer indication that drivers can turn left after yielding to any opposing traffic.
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Changing the formula used to calculate crosswalk times to give walkers more time.
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Identifying electronic toll collection lanes with purple signs - the first time purple has been sanctioned for use on highway signs.
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Adding overhead lane-use control signs to reduce confusion among drivers in unfamiliar multi-lane roadways.
For an overview of the new rules and recommendations, visit http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov.
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Contact:
Doug Hecox
202-366-0660
202-366-0660