Road Watch FOR 2-28
(Are Ramp Meters Confusing Drivers? Just Read the Signs)
Some drivers just don’t get it even though there’s a handful of signs directing them how to observe the new ramp traffic signals reactivated Wednesday on the Blue Route (I-476).
In the brief time I spent covering PennDOT putting the upgraded signals called ramp “meters” into operation at the southbound on ramp from Baltimore Pike, I witnessed three people ignore the red lights on the lane pole – an outright traffic violation.
The signs are posted on each lane pole for a reason, but apparently some motorists aren’t paying any attention to them.
After witnessing these infractions, I must heartily disagree with PennDOT senior civil engineer Paul Lutz who was also on the scene. He thought the riding public was a little bit more aware of how the ramp signals function.
Apparently, the errant motorists are treating the red signals like a stop sign, and proceeding through after stopping. Like the sign on each lane pole says, “Stop Here on Red” and “One Vehicle Per Green (Light).”
The latter sign also doesn’t mean more than one vehicle can proceed through a green light.
You’re only supposed to obey the signal for the single lane you’re in – not for the opposite lane. That’s why they’re marked “Left Lane Signal” and “Right Lane Signal.”
Another problem for motorists unfamiliar with the ramp lights – which haven’t been in operation since 2008 due to necessary fiber optic and other upgrades costing nearly $2 million – is that many drivers aren’t pulling up to the white line before the signal pole. Oftentimes, the first vehicle in line in a lane was staying further back which slowed up the process.
Perhaps, there should be another sign added – “Pull Up To Here” – to facilitate movement of the line of cars.
Granted, some drivers may not be from the area or never experienced the so-called ramp meters before, but that’s what the signs are for.
But then so many drivers don’t read or pay attention to road signs. For instance, they don’t understand what the “Yield” sign means, when it comes to merging on to a local road from the Blue Route or vice-versa.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention it: these ramp traffic lights – I don’t get that “meter” nomenclature – only have red and green lights, no amber caution light.
The metering rate for the red and green light at each ramp will be based on I-476 capacity and the number of vehicles on the ramp. Motorists can expect the ramp signal to shine green for 2-to-4 seconds and red for 2-to-8 seconds.
Lower Road Fatalities
The number of fatalities on Pennsylvania highways in 2009 dropped to 1,256, the lowest number since recordkeeping began in 1928, according to PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler.
The previous low was 1,328 in 1944; in 2008 the commonwealth saw 1,468 traffic fatalities.
“I’m extremely pleased that the partnership among PennDOT, law enforcement and other safety partners is playing a role in reducing the number of lives lost on Pennsylvania’s roadways,” Biehler said.
“While we’ve made progress, we continue to work on further reducing that number; we want every single driver to get home safely.”
According to PennDOT’s preliminary numbers, significant decreases were noted in unrestrained, alcohol-related and aggressive driving fatalities.
Unrestrained fatalities decreased from 567 in 2008 to 451 in 2009. Alcohol-related fatalities dropped from 531 in 2008 to 442 last year.
Deaths attributed to aggressive driving dropped to 130, down from 141 in 2008.
PennDOT distributed $11 million in federal funding last year for aggressive- and impaired-driving enforcement. With the funding, 396 police departments conducted aggressive driving enforcement efforts statewide.
Additionally, more than 600 police departments conducted 3,000 impaired-driving enforcement operations.
In addition to providing funding for safety education and enforcement, PennDOT invests about $10 million annually to fund low-cost safety engineering improvements.
Low-cost safety improvements include initiatives such as centerline rumble strip installation, improved traffic signalization, signage improvements and utility pole relocation.
Overall, nearly 12,000 low-cost improvements have been made statewide since 2000. A study of the 1,167 miles of center-line rumble strips installed from 2000-04 showed a 35 to 50 percent crash reduction at the strip locations while shoulder rumble strips resulted in a 20 to 30 percent reduction.
“Unfortunately, many of the fatalities we see every year could be prevented if people would follow some simple rules: always wear seat belts, never drink and drive and obey the speed limit,” Biehler said. “Those are the points we try to make in our education efforts.”
Despite the record low number of highway deaths recorded last year, fatalities in crashes involving drivers ages 65 and older increased to 276 from 259 in 2008.
To help curtail highway deaths in this age group, PennDOT offers information on approved Mature Driver Improvement courses offered statewide, a brochure on talking with mature drivers and other safety tips at its highway safety information source at www.DriveSafePA.org.
To find out more about PennDOT’s safety efforts, including resources, tips, program descriptions and much more, visit the Drive Safe PA Web site. The site offers information and tips on many highway safety areas, including bicycle/pedestrian, child passenger safety, heavy trucks, engineering infrastructure, motorcycle safety, school bus safety, work zones and young drivers.
PennDOT aims to save at least 100 more lives per year through its safety programs, as outlined in the Drive Safe PA initiative. Drive Safe PA encourages motorists to avoid life-threatening driving behaviors such as not buckling up, driving impaired and driving aggressively.
More than 85 percent of Pennsylvania’s crashes are related to driver behavior.
“Although we’re excited that motorists are driving safer than ever before, we can never lose sight that 1,256 loved ones lost their lives,” Biehler said. “We will continue to explore every option to help increase safety on Pennsylvania roads.”
Bridge Lightings
The Ben Franklin Bridge will have special lighting in March to promote the American Red Cross and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
For most of the month, March 1-16 and March 18-31, the bridge will have red lighting to recognize American Red Cross Month. The Red Cross provides assistance to those in need locally, nationally and internationally.
Most recently, the efforts of the Red Cross were highlighted during the Haitian earthquake.
On March 17, the bridge will have green lighting for the observance of St. Patrick’s Day.
Traffic Delays
I-95 North/South – Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Chester, Upland, Ridley Township, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Chester -- Intelligent Transportation System Foundation installation with lane closures between Naamans Creek Road and Broad Street 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Upper Darby -- Garrett Road, PECO Energy installation between Shadeland Avenue and Riverview Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Aldan – Providence Road, Aqua utility installation with restrictions at Albert Avenue 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.
Collingdale – MacDade Boulevard, borough utility installation between Felton and Roberta avenues 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 25.
Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1) – Middletown and Chester Heights, bridge replacement with lane restrictions between Darlington and Station roads, 24-hour restrictions through June 2011. Work began Oct. 12.
Road Watch appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.