Country: Canada
Key Area: Transportation
Services: Traffic Engineering

Opus was retained by the Engineering Committee under the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan to conduct the MORCOAR study. The purpose of the study was to develop engineering strategies to address the collision patterns on Alberta roadways, covering rural and urban areas, low speed and high speed roads, signalized and unsignalized intersections, and various road users including cyclists and pedestrians. In Phase 1 (completed in December 2009), Opus conducted extensive research of collision reduction strategies and countermeasures including an international literature review and consultation with road agencies in Alberta.  Opus' research uncovered over 1,000 study references of over 200 specific countermeasures. 77 of which were identified as proven in the prevention of severe collisions and selected for detailed evaluation, which included a human factors review and an assessment of applicability in the Alberta environment.  33 “highly effective” countermeasures were selected and recommended for Alberta's 20-year collision reduction program. In Phase 2 (completed in December 2010), a survey was conducted of road agencies in Alberta to determine the availability of guidance for the application of the shortlisted measures. The results identified eight measures for the development of further, more detailed guidance, while summaries of current leading practices were also prepared for the other 25 highly effective measures.  The application guidelines were accompanied by a User Guide to encourage the more widespread and systematic use of these countermeasures. The effective application and implementation of this guide has the potential to significantly reduce fatalities and major injuries in Alberta.

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