Converting two-way four lane roads to two travel lanes with center left turn lane not only reduces crashes 19-47%, but can also improve emergency response times. Case studies from Ocean City, NJ and Woodbury, NJ demonstrate this; the former’s road diet also included a buffered bike lane in the design.
Diagram of the minimum road diet considered.
The post road diet designs make driver behavior more predictable, safer, and with much less speeding. All road users are better accounted for. These combine to make a more easily navigable street for first responders.
Key quote …
The new configuration is leaps and bounds safer.
- Brian Hopely, Police Traffic Sergeant, Ocean City Police
Sources
Road Diets and Emergency Response: Friends, Not Foes