ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street and
West Howard Street
City of Quincy
May 15, 2013
Prepared For:
MassDOT Highway Division
Prepared By:
BETA Group, Inc.
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table of Contents
Project Data .................................................................................................................................1
Background .................................................................................................................................2
Project Description .....................................................................................................................2
Audit Observations .....................................................................................................................5
Potential Safety Enhancements .................................................................................................8
Summary of Road Safety Audit...............................................................................................10
List of Appendices
Appendix A.
Appendix B.
Appendix C.
RSA Meeting Agenda
RSA Audit Team Contact List
Detailed Crash Data
List of Figures
Figure 1.
Location Map ......................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Participating Audit Team Members ....................................................................................... 1
Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown ....................................................................... 8
Potential Safety Enhancement Summary ............................................................................. 11
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Project Data
A Road Safety Audit for the intersection of Quincy Avenue (Route 53), East Howard Street and West
Howard Street was held on April 22, 2013 at the Quincy Fire Department Training Center in Quincy,
MA. As indicated in Table 1, the audit team consisted of representatives from State, Regional and Local
agencies and included a cross-section of engineering, planning and emergency response expertise.
Table 1. Participating Audit Team Members
Audit Team Member
Agency/Affiliation
Lisa Schletzbaum
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Corey O’Connor
MassDOT Highway Division – Safety Section
Mark Abbott
CTPS
Joe Jackson
City of Quincy - Deputy Fire Chief
Jack Gillon
City of Quincy - Traffic Engineer
Peter Vasiliou
JACOBS
Kevin Mormino
Quincy Police Department
Amitai Lipton
MassDOT Highway Division – District 6 Traffic
Greg Lucas
BETA Group, Inc.
Justin Curewitz
BETA Group, Inc.
Page 1
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Background
The Federal Highway Administration defines a Road Safety Audit (RSA) as the formal safety examination
of an existing or future road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. The purpose of an
RSA is to identify potential safety issues and possible opportunities for safety improvements considering
all roadway users. A Road Safety Audit was scheduled for the intersection of Quincy Avenue (Route 53),
East Howard Street and West Howard Street in Quincy because it has been identified as a high crash
location within the Boston MPO region, is on MassDOT’s Top 200 list of High Crash Locations statewide,
and an RSA is required by MassDOT design guidelines for high crash locations. The intersection is
scheduled to be reconstructed in 2014 as mitigation for the Fore River Bridge project. The RSA is intended
to identify potential short and long term safety improvements that can be made at the intersection, which
can then be implemented through general maintenance for short term low cost improvements or potentially
incorporated into the planned reconstruction project to the greatest extent practicable
Project Description
The intersection of Quincy Avenue (Route 53), East Howard Street and West Howard Street, shown in
Figure 1, is located in the southeastern portion of Quincy. Quincy Avenue is functionally classified as an
Urban Principal Arterial, while East and West Howard Streets are classified as an Urban Minor Arterial
and an Urban Collector, respectively. Both roadways are under City of Quincy jurisdiction. Route 53 is an
important regional route, providing access from Quincy Center to Braintree, Weymouth and Route 3. East
Howard Street is a commonly used road connecting Quincy Avenue to Route 3A north of the Fore River
Bridge. West Howard Street connects to residential streets and neighborhoods in Braintree. The town line
between Quincy and Braintree is immediately south of the intersection, as can be seen in Figure 1.
Quincy Avenue, East Howard Street and West Howard Street form an offset four-way intersection under
traffic signal control. Quincy Avenue generally runs north-south and provides two travel lanes in each
direction along its length. East and West Howard Street generally run east-west and provide one general
purpose lane in both directions, widening to two lanes on each approach. Land use in the area is primarily
commercial, with the Braintree Cooperative Bank on
the southwest corner and Dave’s Automatic
Transmission Shop on the northwest corner.
Both East Howard Street and West Howard Street
provide enough width to allow a two lane approach,
but are not marked as such. Typical operation
observed on the day of the audit is for left turns and
through vehicles to share the left lane, and for right
turning vehicles to occupy the right lane. The lack of
lane delineation markings or lane control signage
creates potential confusion for lane assignments for
the East Howard Street and West Howard Street
approaches.
Quincy Avenue at East and
West Howard Streets
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Road Safety Audit
Quincy Avenue at
East Howard Street
Quincy, MA
Figure 1
Location Map
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Double yellow center lines are provided along both intersecting streets, and solid white edge lines are
provided on both sides of all legs of the intersection. Sidewalks are provided on both sides of both
intersecting streets, and marked crosswalks are provided across all legs of the intersection, except the
north leg. The traffic signal provides simple three phase operation, with a phase for Quincy Avenue, a
phase for both Howard Street phases concurrently, and a pushbutton-actuated pedestrian phase. Pedestrian
heads and pushbuttons are not provided for the crosswalk across the east leg of the intersection, and a
pedestrian head is missing on the northwest corner of the intersection for the crosswalk across the west
leg.
The southbound Quincy Avenue approach has a steep downhill grade approaching the intersection, which
affects intersection operations and safety due to increased driver speeds and potential impacts during
wintry conditions. Conversely, the northbound approach of Quincy Avenue and the eastbound approach
of West Howard Street have steep uphill grades which affect sight distance and acceleration for trucks. A
railroad crossing approximately 150 feet south of the intersection, crossing Quincy Avenue, impacts
traffic signal visibility at the intersection. The crossing provides gates and overhead warning lights, and
city officials noted that flaggers accompany the freight train crossings.
Crash data provided by the Quincy Police Department and summarized by MassDOT show 36 crashes in
the three year period from 2010 through 2012. A collision diagram and crash summary are included in the
Appendix. The most prevalent crash type at the intersection were angle crashes, comprising 39% of total
crashes. Rear-end crashes comprise 36% of total crashes. Fourteen angle crashes occurred at the
intersection, of which nine were between an eastbound left-turn and a westbound through vehicle or a
westbound left-turn and an eastbound through vehicle. These crashes are likely related to the combination
of offset intersection geometry, approach grades and permissive left turn phasing across two oncoming
lanes. It should be noted that 39% of overall crashes at the intersection occurred on the weekend. This
may be an indication that crashes are more prevalent with drivers who may be less familiar with the
intersection. Thirteen rear-end crashes occurred at the intersection, including ten on the southbound
approach. Three of these ten crashes were a result of vehicles waiting to make a left-turn. Rear-end
crashes are likely related to any one or a combination of the following factors: approach grades; the
overall length of the intersection; post mounted signals; the crest vertical curve; and the railroad crossing.
Two rear-end crashes on the southbound approached occurred in wintry or wet roadway conditions. One
pedestrian crash occurred at the intersection, but no improper driving was noted. The pedestrian struck
was attempting to cross the north leg of the intersection, where no crosswalk is provided.
Five sideswipe crashes occurred at the intersection, with two on the southbound approach and one on
each of the remaining approaches. Sideswipe crashes may be the result of confusion over lane
assignments on the side street approaches, or from vehicles changing lanes to avoid a stopped turning
vehicle on the Quincy Avenue approaches. Also of note is one head on crash between a southbound leftturning vehicle and a northbound through vehicle. One fatality occurred at the intersection in July 2009,
which is not included in the crash summary because it is outside of the study time period.
The intersection ranks 190th on MassDOT’s statewide list of Top Crash Intersections from 2008 to 2010.
The MassDOT ranking is based on the number and severity of crashes in MassDOT’s database which can
be georeferenced to a cluster area around the intersection. This cluster area experienced 36 crashes in the
three year period, with 13 of the 36 crashes involving an injury. The ranking is based on a weighted
system which calculates the Equivalent Property Damage Only (EPDO) rating of the intersection. Fatal
Page 4
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
crashes are weighted 10 times and injury crashes are weighted 5 times. The EPDO rating of 97 includes
the previously noted July 2009 fatal crash.
Audit Observations
Following a brief introduction to the RSA process and a summary of existing crash information, the audit
participants were asked to discuss safety issues at the intersection of Quincy Avenue (Route 53), East
Howard Street and West Howard Street. Audit participants then conducted a site visit as a group, at which
time they offered observations on safety concerns and deficiencies. A summary of those major safety
considerations is as follows:

Offset Geometry – The East Howard Street and West Howard Street legs are offset by approximately
35 feet. Left-turning vehicles from both the eastbound and westbound approaches impede one another
in the intersection, and sometimes turn behind an opposing vehicle making a left turn as noted by an
audit participant. The left turning driver’s view of oncoming traffic is blocked by the opposing left
turning vehicles. Through vehicles must make slight turns to continue through the intersection in
either direction. The offset geometry also affects the placement of stop bars for the northbound and
southbound approaches. The negative offset also creates a longer intersection and a longer gap
needed to cross oncoming traffic. This is a likely contributing factor in angle crashes involving left
turns from the side streets at the intersection.

Approach Grades – Grade issues were cited for the eastbound, northbound and southbound legs
approaching the intersection. A steep downhill grade exists for vehicles traveling southbound on
Quincy Avenue, with only one advance signal warning sign provided set back from the edge of
roadway prior to the downhill grade... In addition, the
pavement condition on the southbound approach is in poor
condition and has had rutting problems in the past. The
northbound and eastbound approaches both have uphill
grades which cause signal visibility issues. Tractor trailers
experience challenges accelerating up the steep grades and
were observed to continue through the intersection as the
light turned yellow. Quincy Avenue has steep cross-slopes,
which create a crest curve condition for vehicles crossing
from West Howard Street to East Howard Street, making it
Quincy Avenue Grade
difficult to see westbound through vehicles, especially if a
Issues (looking northbound)
westbound left turning vehicle is blocking the view.

Signal Phasing – Signal phasing consists of a phase for Quincy Avenue, an exclusive pedestrian
phase and a phase for East and West Howard Streets. The lack of a protected phase for southbound
left turns is a likely factor in one left turn, three rear-end and two sideswipe crashes at the
intersection. Both East and West Howard Street approaches show left turn crashes, and a westbound
sideswipe, that can be attributed to the lack of protected or split phasing.
Page 5
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Signal Equipment –Several safety concerns related to the
existing signal equipment were discussed at the audit.
o All signals at the intersection are post mounted, and only one signal head is provided for the East
Howard Street approach. One far side and one near
side head are provided for the West Howard Street
approach. Signals along Quincy Avenue are consistently overhead, making post mounted signals unexpected. MBTA buses and other large vehicles may block visibility of post mounted signals.
East Howard Street
Single Signal Approach
(looking westbound)
o A supplemental signal is provided for the
southbound approach, but is well in advance of the
southbound stop line, which may cause drive confusion. A driver may make the decision
to continue through the intersection after seeing a yellow indication on this supplemental
head, and either not stop because they don’t realize how long the intersection is, or stop
abruptly if the far side indication shows a red before the driver reaches the stop line.
o Most signals were noted to be outside of the cone of vision required by the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), reducing visibility for vehicles stopped at
the stop line.
o A signal head on the northeast corner of the intersection is missing all three visors facing
Quincy Avenue northbound traffic, which can be problematic in the afternoon when sun
glare can make it difficult to known which indication is active.
o No pedestrian signal heads or pushbuttons are provided for the crosswalk across the East
Howard Street leg.
o A pedestrian signal head is missing on the northwest corner of the intersection facing the
crosswalk across West Howard Street.
o Emergency pre-emption is not provided at the intersection.

Pedestrian Accommodation – Pedestrians were observed crossing the north leg of the intersection,
where no crosswalk is provided. It should be noted that the one pedestrian crash at the intersection
occurred on this leg.

Intersection Awareness – Utility poles in advance of the intersection on the southbound approach
cause a picket fence appearance, blocking visibility of the graphical W3-3 Signal Ahead sign
provided prior to the downhill grade. This reduces driver awareness that there is a signalized
intersection located just over the hill.

Railroad Crossings – The existing railroad crossing just south of the intersection causes several safety
issues at the intersection of Quincy Avenue and East and West Howard Streets. It was noted that
Page 6
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
there are between one to three train crossings per day and that flaggers assist the engineer when
crossing Quincy Avenue.
o The railroad warning signals and mast arms combined with the uphill grade traveling
northbound block the visibility of the traffic signal at the intersection.
o Trucks and buses stop at the railroad crossing as a safety precaution and take a significant
time to accelerate. Northbound drivers may choose to continue through the yellow
clearance to avoid stopping and having to accelerate uphill, as seen on the day of the
audit. Rear end collisions involving southbound vehicles could be related to a truck or
bus stopped at the railroad crossing, either from a direct collision with the stopped
vehicle or an upstream crash involving a vehicle that stopped for the stopped truck or bus.

Bus Stops – MBTA bus stops are located at the intersection on the westbound approach of East
Howard Street and on the eastbound approach of West Howard Street. Bus traffic through the
intersection is frequent and results in buses pulling over to the right to drop off/pick up then crossing
the entire approach lane to make the necessary turning movement.

Clearance Times – It was noted that clearance times may be insufficient due to the length and grade
of the intersection. Rear-end crashes may indicate clearance time deficiencies.

Lane Designation – No lane designation signage or pavement markings are present for the East and
West Howard Street approaches. Vehicles were observed traveling through the intersection from
both lanes, creating confusion and the need to merge since only one departure lane is provided on
each side of the intersection.

Sidewalk Obstruction – It was noted that two
vehicles parked in the driveway of the
transmission shop on the northwest corner of the
intersection can potentially obstruct the sidewalk.
A van was observed blocking the sidewalk on the
day of the audit, which would require pedestrians
to walk in the street in order to continue along the
sidewalk.
Transmission Shop Driveway
Page 7
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Potential Safety Enhancements
Audit participants identified safety issues and recommended potential improvements to address these
issues. Audit participants were encouraged to consider both short and long term improvements for each
issue. Each improvement considered has been categorized as short-term, mid-term, or long-term based on
the definitions shown in Table 2. Additionally, a cost category has been assigned to each improvement
based on the parameters set forth in Table 2.
Table 2. Estimated Time Frame and Costs Breakdown
Time Frame
Short-term
<1 year
Costs
Low
Mid-term
1–3 years
Medium
Long-term
>3 years
High
<$10,000
$10,000–$50,000
>$50,000

Consider realignment of the intersection. The realignment of East Howard Street and West Howard
Street to form a more directly aligned 4-way intersection would reduce the amount of negative offset
left turn lanes and reduce the overall length of the intersection, reducing required clearance times.
This improvement would address left turn crashes from permissive left turns. This is a mid-term, high
cost improvement and is part of the current design as discussed with the audit team.

Provide an illuminated “Red Signal Ahead” facing southbound traffic prior to the crest of the vertical
curve. This will alert drivers both to the presence and current indication of the traffic signal at East
and West Howard Streets. This is a mid-term, medium cost improvement and is part of the current
design as discussed with the audit team.

Rehabilitate pavement. Pavement will be rehabilitated at the intersection as part of planned
improvements. The appropriate method of pavement rehabilitation should be determined based on the
results of subsurface exploration. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement.

Reduce cross slopes on Quincy Avenue in conjunction with pavement rehabilitation. Cross slopes on
Quincy Avenue should be reduced following MassDOT guidelines to the greatest extent practicable,
eliminating or reducing the crest condition for eastbound vehicles. It was noted that a water line under
the roadway has minimal clearance, restricting the ability to lower the roadway profile. This is a midterm, medium cost improvement and should be incorporated into the proposed design to the greatest
extent practicable.

Consider grade separation between Quincy Avenue and the railroad. Grades on the northbound and
southbound legs of the intersection were noted as a concern. Separation of Quincy Avenue and the
railroad crossing would eliminate the need of an at-grade railroad crossing, eliminate visibility issues
caused by the existing railroad signals, and allow free movement for freight trains and vehicles.
Grades north and south of the intersection are relatively steep and would significantly reduce with
grade separation. Grade separation is a long-term, high cost improvement.
Page 8
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Reconstruct the existing traffic signals with all new equipment including mast arms, overhead signals
with backplates, emergency preemption and countdown pedestrian signal heads. Backplates should
have retro-reflective borders conforming to current MassDOT and FHWA recommendations. This is
a mid-term, high cost improvement assumed to be included in the planned project. The need for
overhead signals was discussed to provide better visibility of the intersection due to grade issues,
driver expectation and consistency with surrounding area as well as with visibility issues created by
the railroad signals. Major movements must be provided two signals at minimum and supplemental
signals should be provided for permissive left turns to provide a constant visible signal when traveling
through the intersection. This is a mid-term, high cost improvement and is part of the current design
as discussed with the audit team.

Study clearance times, and implement changes as needed. The existing yellow and all red clearance
times should be determined from the existing traffic signal controller and compared to minimum
requirements calculated based on current MassDOT guidance. If existing clearance times are
insufficient, clearance times should be increased accordingly. This change in clearance times could
reduce the occurrence of rear-end crashes within the study area. This is a short-term, low cost
improvement that should be done in advance of planned improvements. Clearance times for the
proposed geometry should also be calculated following the same methodology as part of planned
improvements.

Install/replace missing signal visors. Any missing signal head visors should be replaced to allow for
better visibility. This is a short-term, low cost improvement.

Provide a crosswalk with wheelchair ramps across the north leg of the intersection, and install
pedestrian signals and pushbuttons for all crosswalks in conjunction with signal improvements.
Pedestrians were observed crossing the north leg on the day of the audit despite the lack of a
crosswalk. It should also be noted that the one pedestrian crash at the intersection occurred on this
leg. The presence of bus stops and adjacent businesses creates pedestrian desire lines across all legs of
the intersection. New pedestrian signals and pushbuttons across all approaches should be provided.
This is a mid-term, high cost improvement and is part of the current design as discussed with the audit
team.

Consider protected phasing for left-turns on the Howard Street approaches. Protected only phasing or
split phasing for East and West Howard Street would eliminate the conflicting movements that result
in angle crashes. This is a short-term, low cost improvement that, if feasible, should be implemented
into the proposed design.

Consider coordinating signals with the railroad signal. This would prevent southbound queues at the
railroad crossing from spilling back through the intersection. This is a mid-term, low cost
improvement that, if feasible, should be implemented into the proposed design.

Consider classifying the railroad crossing as exempt. With the exemption of this crossing, trucks and
buses would no longer legally be required stop at the crossing for safety precautions and may reduce
the number of rear-end crashes. This long-term, low cost improvement would require coordination
between the railroad and City, State and Federal authorities.
Page 9
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.

Consider relocating bus stops. The bus stops on East Howard Street and West Howard Street were
noted to be too close to the intersection. Relocating them further back from the stop line would reduce
the need for buses to change lanes at the intersection. This is a short term, low cost improvement.

Install lane usage signage on the East and West Howard Street approaches. This will alert drivers to
the intended lane use in tandem with pavement marking improvements. It is recommended that R3-8
graphical signs be provided on all approaches. This is a short-term, low cost improvement assumed to
be included in the planned project.

Apply new pavement markings, including arrow and only markings for exclusive lanes. Arrow and
only markings should correspond to lane usage signage. This is a short-term, low cost improvement
assumed to be included in the planned project.

Work with property owner to restrict parking on sidewalk. Coordinate with the transmission shop to
restrict trucks from parking on the sidewalk and blocking pedestrian paths. Additional enforcement
and signage may be required if sidewalk obstruction continues to be an issue. This is a short-term,
low cost improvement.
Summary of Road Safety Audit
Table 3 summarizes potential recommendations discussed by the audit team. The recommendations are
categorized based on the potential safety payoff, as well as by time frame and cost. The safety payoff is a
qualitative judgment of the effectiveness of the potential safety improvements. Each recommendation has
a responsibility assigned to it stating whether MassDOT or the City of Quincy would be responsible for
implementing the recommended improvement. The term “Project” refers to improvements that are
assumed to be included or could reasonably be accommodated as part of planned improvements. Project
improvements have a cost category assigned to them; short-term and ongoing maintenance improvements
have an order of magnitude cost assigned.
Page 10
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Consider realignment of the intersection
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Approach Grades
Install an illuminated “Red Signal Ahead” sign southbound in
advance of the intersection.
Project
Medium
Mid-term
$15,000*
Approach Grades
Rehabilitate pavement.
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Approach Grades
Reduce cross slopes on Quincy Avenue in conjunction with
pavement rehabilitation.
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
City/MassDOT
High
Long-term
TBD (High)
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Offset Geometry
Approach Grades/ Consider grade separation between Quincy Avenue and the
Railroad Crossings railroad.
Signal Equipment
Reconstruct the existing traffic signals with all new equipment
including mast arms, overhead signals with backplates,
emergency preemption and countdown pedestrian signal
heads.
Clearance Times
Study clearance times, and implement changes as needed.
City
Low
Short-term
$2,000
Signal Equipment
Install/replace missing signal visors.
City
Low
Short-term
$1,000
Signal Equipment,
Pedestrian
Accommodation
Provide crosswalk and wheelchair ramps across north leg of
intersection, and install pedestrian signal heads and
pushbuttons for all crosswalks in conjunction with signal
improvements.
Project
High
Mid-term
High*
Signal Phasing
Considered protected phasing for left-turns on the Howard
Street approaches.
Project
Medium
Short-term
Low*
Project
Medium
Mid-term
Medium*
City/MassDOT
Medium
Long-term
TBD (Low)
City/MBTA
Low
Short-term
$1,000
Project
Medium
Short-term
Low*
Railroad Crossings Consider coordinating signals with the railroad signals.
Considered classifying the railroad crossing as exempt, to
Railroad Crossings eliminate the need for trucks and buses to legally stop at the
crossing.
Bus Stops
Lane Designation
Consider relocating bus stops further back from the stop line.
Install lane usage signage on the East and West Howard Street
approaches. R3-8 graphical signs are recommended on all
approaches.
Page 11
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Table 3. Potential Safety Enhancement Summary
Safety Issue
Safety Enhancement
Lane Designation
Apply new pavement markings, including arrow and only
markings for exclusive lanes.
Sidewalk
Obstruction
Work with property owners to restrict parking on sidewalk.
*
Responsibility
Safety
Payoff
Time Frame
Cost
Project
Medium
Short-term
Low*
City
Medium
Short-term
$1,000
These improvements should be included in the next submission of the proposed project. Improvements to be incorporated are assumed to be
included as part of the overall project cost.
Page 12
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix A. RSA Meeting Agenda
Road Safety Audit
Quincy, MA
Quincy Avenue at East Howard Street
Meeting Location: Quincy Fire Dept. Training Center
East Howard Street, Quincy, MA
Monday, April 22, 2013
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Type of meeting:
High Crash Location – Road Safety Audit
Attendees:
Invited Participants to Comprise a Multidisciplinary Team
Please bring:
Thoughts and Enthusiasm!!
10:00 AM
Welcome and Introductions
10:15 AM
Discussion of Safety Issues
• Crash history
• Existing Geometries and Conditions
10:45 AM
Site Visit
• Drive to the intersection of Quincy Ave/East Howard Street
• As a group, identify areas for improvement
11:15 AM
Discussion of Potential Improvements
• Discuss observations and finalize safety issue areas
• Discuss potential improvements and finalize recommendations
12:00 PM
Adjourn for the Day – but the RSA has not ended
Instructions for Participants:
• Before attending the RSA on April 22nd, participants are encouraged to drive/walk
through the intersection and complete/consider elements on the RSA Prompt List
with a focus on safety.
• All participants will be actively involved in the process throughout. Participants
are encouraged to come with thoughts and ideas, but are reminded that the
synergy that develops and respect for others’ opinions are key elements to the
success of the overall RSA process.
• After the RSA meeting, participants will be asked to comment and respond to the
document materials to assure it is reflective of the RSA completed by the
multidisciplinary team.
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix B. RSA Audit Team Contact List
Road Safety Audit—Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at East Howard Street & West Howard Street—Quincy, MA
Prepared by BETA Group, Inc.
Appendix C. Detailed Crash Data
Quincy, MA
Quincy Avenue (Route 53) at Howard Street
REGION: MAPC
TIME PERIOD ANAI...VZED: 2010 - 2012
SOURCE OF CRASH REPORTS: Quincy Police Department
COLLISION DIAGRAM
DATE PREPARED: April 11, 2013
PREPARED BY: CO
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Bicycle
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Animal
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SEVERITY
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TYPES OF CRASH
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Night nme Crash
0
Injury
0
Fatal
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Crash Data Summary Table
Quincy Ave (Rt 53) at Howard St, Quincy, MA
2010 -2012
Crash
Date
Time of Day
m/d/y
1
2
3
4
5
1/3/10
2/18/10
3/3/10
3/29/10
4/13/10
4:19 AM
7:16 AM
11:06 AM
11:15 AM
5:02 PM
Angle
Angle
Rear-end
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Weather
Condition
Type
Blowing Sand,
Dark - lighted roadway Snow
Dawn
Clear
Daylight
Rain
Daylight
Rain
Daylight
Clear
6
7
8
10:03 PM
11:09 AM
12:35 PM
8:54 AM
9:23 AM
3:36 PM
Rear-end
Rear-end
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Followed too closely
Followed too closely
Unknown
9
10
11
5/10/10
6/26/10
6/29/10
12/28/10
1/4/11
1/11/11
Rear-end
Unknown
Rear-end
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Ice
Dry
Dry
Followed too closely
Unknown
No Improper Driving
25 unk
49
32
51
22
33
66
48
29
50
12
13
1/17/11
2/11/11
5:58 PM
3:32 PM
Angle
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Dry
Unknown
Made an improper turn
16
54
37
66
14
15
3/26/11
4/25/11
7:35 PM
8:35 AM
Angle
Rear-end
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
Dry
45
41
35
29
16
5/16/11
11:33 AM
Rear-end
Daylight
Cloudy
Dry
17
5/29/11
7:19 PM
Sideswipe, same direction
Daylight
Clear
Dry
Visibility Obstructed
Unknown
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
Failure to keep in proper lane or
running off road
18
19
6/11/11
9/6/11
10:33 PM
4:23 PM
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Daylight
Rain
Wet
Wet
20
10/8/11
3:46 PM
Angle
Daylight
Clear
Dry
21
22
11/12/11 12:20 AM
11/20/11 10:37 AM
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Daylight
Clear
23
12/6/11
Rear-end
24
12/31/11 8:33PM
25
26
27
28
29
1/20/12
1/30/12
3/30/12
4/7/12
5/12/12
30
31
32
33
34
35
5/20/12
6/26/12
6/26/12
9/5/12
10/16/12
10/21/12
36
12/16/12 7:52 PM
Crash
Diagram
Ref #
Manner of Collision
Type
Light Condition
Type
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Road Surface
Type
Driver Contributing Code
Type
D1
Snow
Dry
Wet
Wet
Dry
Unknown
Failed to yield to right of way
Followed too closely
Unknown
No Improper Driving
18
25
22
47
50
Ages
D2
20
41
70
68
52
Comments
D3
Both Drivers claimed green light
Misjudged timing of left onto Quincy Ave
Veh 1 stopped for school bus, was rear ended
Stopped in intersection
Veh 2 pulling out of on street parking
Op did not see op 1
Sliding on Ice
Both Drivers claimed green light
Op 1 only had license for a month
Hit and Run
Obstructed making left onto Quincy Ave
26 Slowing to make turn, was rear ended
25
Op 2 foot slipped of the brake
26
44
Veh 1 attempted to go around veh 2
52
73
54
52
Both Drivers claimed green light
Veh 2 ran red light
64
46
Veh 2 brakes failed
Dry
Dry
No Improper Driving
Unknown
Disregarded traffic signs, signals, road
markings
Operating Vehicle in erratic, reckless,
careless, negligent, or aggressive
manner
Unknown
34
32
27 unk
OUI
following GPS
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
No Improper Driving
68
34
Slid on wet road
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Clear
Dry
Unknown
23
32
Veh 2 had turn signal on; went straight
12:40AM
2:34 PM
4:28 PM
12:18 PM
7:46 PM
Single Vehicle Crash
Single Vehicle Crash
Rear-end
Sideswipe, same direction
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Dusk
Snow
Clear
Clear
Clear
Clear
Ice
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Unknown
No Improper Driving
Inattention
Unknown
Unknown
31
50
23
25
52
61
56
38
Slid on ice
Pedestrian Crash
Waiting to make left onto Howard st
Changed lanes on Quincy Ave
Going around taffic to turn onto Quincy Ave
1:54 AM
3:30 PM
4:27 PM
3:23 PM
12:14 PM
3:46 PM
Rear-end
Angle
Rear-end
Head on
Angle
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Daylight
Clear
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
Clear
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Distracted
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Other improper action
20
58
28
26
43
31
50
37
31
22
41
32
Hit and Run
Veh 1 stopped to make turn in middle of intersection
Veh 2 stopped mid turn
Thru vs turn crash
V1 went around V2 (ambulance)
505 Quincy ave
Angle
Dark - lighted roadway Rain
Wet
Failed to yield to right of way
31
24
Left turn onto Quincy Ave
4:55PM
Summary based on Crash Reports obtained from the Quincy Police Department
unk
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Quincy Ave (Rt 53) at Howard St, Quincy, MA
CRASH MONTH
20%
17%
14%
15%
14%
11%
11%
8%
10%
8%
6%
6%
6%
5%
0%
J
F
M
A
M
J
0%
0%
J
A
S
O
N
D
CRASH DAY OF WEEK
28%
30%
22%
20%
17%
17%
10%
0%
8%
6%
Monday
Tuesday
3%
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
CRASH TIME OF DAY
30%
21%
20%
10%
0%
15%
9%
15%
9%
12%
6% 6%
3%
6AM- 8AM
0%
8AM10AM
10AM12PM
12PM- 2PM- 4PM4PM- 6PM6PM- 8PM
2PM
8PM10PM
0%
10PM12AM
3%
12AM- 2AM- 4AM4AM- 6AM
2AM
CRASH MANNER OF COLLISION
50%
36%
40%
39%
30%
20%
10%
0%
14%
6%
Single
Vehicle
Crash
Crash Data Summary.xlsx
0%
Rear-end
Angle
Sideswipe, Sideswipe,
same
opposite
direction
direction
1 of 2
3%
Head on
0%
3%
Rear to Rear Unknown
4/10/2013
Crash Data Summary Tables and Charts
Quincy Ave (Rt 53) at Howard St, Quincy, MA
CRASH LIGHT CONDITION
80%
64%
60%
31%
40%
20%
80%
3%
3%
Dawn
Dusk
Dark Lighted
Roadway
0%
0%
0%
0%
Dark Roadway
not lighted
Dark unknown
roadway
lighting
Other
Unknown
CRASH WEATHER CONDITION
67%
0%
Other
0%
Unknown
3%
0%
Severe
Crosswinds
0%
Blowing
sand, snow
0%
Fog, Smog,
Smoke
Rain
3%
Sleet, Hail,
Freezing
Rain
17%
Snow
11%
Cloudy
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Daylight
Clear
0%
CRASH ROAD SURFACE
75%
60%
40%
17%
20%
0%
Dry
Wet
28%
30%
3%
6%
Snow
Ice
0%
0%
Sand, mud, Water
dirt, oil, (standing,
moving)
gravel
0%
0%
0%
Slush
Other
Unknown
CRASH DRIVER AGES
22%
20%
10%
0%
19%
15%
9%
3%
15-20
Crash Data Summary.xlsx
3%
21-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
2 of 2
60-69
70-79
0%
80+
4/10/2013
·©I
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Map
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Query
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Crash Count: 36
Fatalities: 1
Injured: 13
Non-injured: 22
FPOO: ~7
RPA:MAPC
Municipality: QUINCY
MassOOT District: 6
RANK:190
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Equivalent Property
Damage Only (EPDO)
e
l ess than 50
0 50-150
0 150-300
0 More than 300
View on Google Fusion Tables Download the file • Express.
Towing
Olaute Br