Engineering countermeasures involve improvements to roadway infrastructure and traffic controls. The toolkit groups engineering countermeasures in seven categories:

Speed Management, Intersections and Roadways, Signals, Pedestrians, Signing and Striping, Bikeways and Technology.

Speed Management – Speed limit changes alone can lead to measurable declines in speeds and crashes. The first step to identifying appropriate speeds involves identifying potential conflicts on the road, which may include sharp bends, high traffic zones, location of community assets such as schools, or areas with a large number of vulnerable roadway users. Once these potential safety concerns have been identified, comprehensive analyses can identify appropriate design speed and target speed.

Intersections and Roadways – Intersection enhancements can enhance road safety because intersections present points of conflict among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized vehicles. Measures such as enhancing lighting, using larger or reflective signage, creating high visibility crosswalks, and removing sight obstructions at intersections can significantly minimize collisions. The geometric design of the intersection also plays a pivotal role in road safety. Configurations such as roundabouts, traffic islands, raised intersections, and adequate turning lanes improve traffic flow and minimize points of conflict.

Signals – Improvements in signalization are a significant factor in ensuring safer roadways. Enhancing elements of traffic control can considerably impact driver behavior, reducing confusion, uncertainty, and errors that may lead to accidents. Safe roadways rely heavily on clear, visible signage and signalization. Updated signs providing drivers with information about road conditions, speeds, and directions are crucial in helping them make informed decisions. Implementing dynamic warning signs that change based on real-time conditions, can further enhance safety.

Pedestrians – Crosswalk enhancements (high visibility crosswalk markings, raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands) and signal improvements (pedestrian countdown timers, lead pedestrian intervals) together will help to save lives. The introduction of suitable signage and lighting to enhance visibility and integration of advanced technology can also support ongoing pedestrian safety. 

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Signing and Striping – Similarly, the implementation of crosswalk enhancements (high-visibility crosswalk markings), signal improvements (pedestrian countdown timers, lead pedestrian intervals) together will help to save lives. The introduction of suitable signage and striping to enhance visibility and integration of advanced technology can also support ongoing pedestrian and bicycle safety.

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Bikeways – Creation of dedicated bike lanes, bike boxes, and bicycle specific traffic signals can help cater to the needs of cyclists on the road and better protect them from harm. Intersection improvements, enhanced signage, and protected paths particularly along popular biking routes are important to ensure good visibility for both cyclists and motorists. Innovative technology and regular road maintenance together can also help to ensure direct, smooth and obstacle-free bike travel to substantially foster safer bike travel. 

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Technology – As more autonomous and connected vehicles join the region's vehicle fleet, there are opportunities for additional safety technologies to be implemented, including:

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PedSafe – This pedestrian and bicycle crash avoidance system is designed to operate via connected vehicle technologies. Drivers will be alerted when a pedestrian or cyclist is in the area. Also, traffic signals will be aware of pedestrians crossing the road or intersection.

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Speed harmonization – Mobile traffic sensors send real-time conditions at a congested location to a traffic management center. A computer uses this information to calculate optimal speeds for vehicles approaching congestion and sends the speeds to connected vehicles.

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Crash prediction and response deployment – Mobile traffic sensors send real-time conditions to a traffic management center where conditions are evaluated to determine if a crash is likely based on past crash patterns in the region. Law enforcement or emergency response can be deployed before a crash occurs, which can prevent a crash from happening, or place a first responder in closer proximity to improve response times.​​

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