USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu FHWA Highway Safety Programs Home
                        Safety
                        Intersection Safety


            
            In This Section
        Intersection Safety
                                Overview
                About
                In The News
                Resources
                Contacts
                Safe System Intersections
                Intersection Control Evaluation
                Corridor Access Management
                Intersection Types
                                Roundabouts
                Stop–Controlled
                Signalized
                Reduced Left–Turn Conflict
                Crossover
                Other Designs
      
   Related Links
          Road to Zero: Taking a Safe System Approach
                
                Safe System Intersections
    

    
    
          "Example of a safe intersection design showing bikes and pedestrians crossing a street"Source: Jay Lazarin, Editorial RF, iStock UnreleasedTransportation practitioners can use a Safe System approach to enhance intersection safety for all road users. Taking a Safe System approach means proactively designing the roadway or intersection features in a way that anticipates human errors and reduces risk of severe injury or death due to a crash. A Safe System approach to intersection design can include strategies such as:

Minimizing and modifying conflict points
	Reducing speed of vehicles
	Improving visibility at intersections
	Providing space and protection for pedestrians and bicyclistsOutreach and Education Resources

Safe System Flyer
	Safe System Explanation Handout
	Road to Zero: Taking a Safe System ApproachTechnical Materials and Research

Safe System-based Framework and Analytical Methodology for Assessing Intersections Final Report
	Safe System-based Framework and Analytical Methodology for Assessing Intersections Tech Brief
	Safe System Framework
	Safe System Approach (Excerpt from PIARC Road Safety Manual)Connections to Other Transportation Safety Topics

Choosing the right intersection design for a specific location and road users is important for a Safe System; learn how Intersection Control Evaluation tools can help
	Intersection designs such as roundabouts, or those with reduced left–turn conflicts such as restricted crossing U–turns (RCUT) and median U–turns (MUT), can help achieve a Safe System approach
	Considering the safety and needs of pedestrians and bicyclists is key to designing an intersection using the Safe System approach
              
      
    
          Last updated: Friday, March 12, 2021 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us