Safety Edge Helpful Resources

• Safety Impacts of Pavement Edge Drop-offs [PDF 2.69 MB]

This 2006 research report focuses on quantification of the contribution of pavement edge drop-offs to crash frequency and severity, particularly on rural two-lane paved roadways with unpaved shoulders. Research was conducted in Iowa and Missouri. The report also contains a useful summary of national, State, and (Canadian) Provincial guidance regarding pavement edge drop-offs. Research panel recommendations for addressing pavement edge drop-offs are included.

• Construction of a Safe Pavement Edge: Minimizing the Effects of Shoulder Dropoff [PDF 132 KB] NEW!

This paper presented at the TRB 2005 Annual Meeting describes the construction solution developed in Georgia using two different devices to pave a safe edge with no impact to production and less than one percent additional materials costs. It includes the field evaluations showing the value as both a temporary and permanent safety feature.

• Influence of Roadway Surface Discontinuities on Safety, State of the Art Report

The "Pavement Edges" section of this 2009 report provides an update to research published in the 1980's on the effects of the shape of pavement edges on safety, including new tests performed at higher speeds, with the newer 30-degree shape, and with new tire designs.