Evaluation of alternative intersection treatments at rural crossroads using simulation software.

Objective: Rural roads are characterized by hazardous roadsides and suboptimal geometry yet allow for high travel speeds and unfavorable impact angles. In Victoria, 25% of persons seriously injured and 52% of fatalities occur on rural roads, with 30% occurring at intersections. In the United States, almost twice the number of traffic fatalities occur in rural areas than in urban areas, while accounting for less than half of all vehicle miles traveled and 21% of the population.