What are Proven Safety Countermeasures?
Among the many resources provided by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is an ever-growing toolkit to help practitioners and the public determine the most effective strategies to address a myriad of safety issues. Known as “Proven Safety Countermeasures”, these are infrastructure and non-infrastructure strategies that may help mitigate roadway injuries and deaths in significant and measurable ways.
Nine new countermeasures were added to the toolkit in October 2021. Many of these countermeasures are aimed at improving safety for the most vulnerable road users – people walking and biking.
 The new countermeasures are:
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
- Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements
- Bicycle Lanes
- Lighting
- Pavement Friction Management
- Wider Edge Lines
- Variable Speed Limits (freeways and high-speed arterials)
- Speed Safety Cameras
- Appropriate Speed Limits for All Road Users
By adding an individual countermeasure to its list, FHWA is signaling support for that countermeasure’s use and increasing its credibility. The agency also includes data on effectiveness and resources for practitioners, all of which make implementation easier for transportation agencies.
 The Safe System Approach
When added to those previously approved, FHWA has elevated a total of 28 distinct countermeasures that transportation agencies can implement to improve safety for all road users. Each countermeasure aligns with the Safe System Approach, which recognizes that, while human beings make mistakes and crashes are inevitable, the consequences of those mistakes should not result in death or serious injury. Each countermeasure incorporates elements that separate users in space and time; manage speed, mass and impact force angles; and increase attentiveness.
Implementing the Countermeasures
As with any safety improvement, localities will need funds to implement these new countermeasures.
- For a quick overview of funding sources available through ODOT, see ODOT’s funding page.
- The ODOT Highway Safety Improvement Program has made some major changes to focus on the most severe crashes and the most vulnerable road users. The agency’s new Systemic Safety program will focus on funding proven safety countermeasures to prevent pedestrian and roadway departure crashes.
- If the issue is within two miles of a school and noted in a School Travel Plan, or equivalent, it may be eligible for Safe Routes to School.
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