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Another solution is to block off the eastern exit, turning it into a T junction. It's low traffic, there are multiple alternative routes and the road to the eas

Another solution is to block off the eastern exit, turning it into a T junction. It's low traffic, there are multiple alternative routes and the road to the east is short and insignificant. This technique is used a lot in towns nowadays to shut off dangerous junctions onto arterial routes (and to prevent 'rat runs'). The alternative route round works out at 5 minutes longer but in a national park that's pretty good, and the lives saved should be worth it. Map view here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ipley+Manor+Stables/@50.8634844,-1.4616827,15z https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ipley+Manor+Stables/@50....

usrusr 7y ago
An even simpler solution that I have seen implemented on some open field crossings is to deliberately block the view line somewhere close. It doesn't have to be blocked on the entire approach, just enough to ruin the illusion of having sufficiently observed the entire crossing road. It could be a billboard with traffic safety propaganda (or ads), some greenery or a stack of photovoltaics. Not much bigger than a bus usually.
- gpderetta 7y ago
  this solution is actually discussed in the article and dismissed because it would be very visually intrusive with the rest of the forested land and because careless drivers might still only give a quick glance after not seeing any cars while approaching the junction from far away.
  - FeepingCreature 7y ago
    Right, they presume that the entire approach would have to be covered. But the parent asserts that a short fence would be enough. (I'm inclined to agree.)
- petercooper 7y ago
  I'd agree with that. Even something to "break up" the view and add ambiguity might make people stop... the road equivalent of a scarecrow, perhaps.. some "scarebikes"? :- (I've seen a lot of cardboard cutouts of police officers at various petrol stations in recent years. They do make you think twice when you see them out of the corner of your eye.)
- ehnto 7y ago
  Same principle for tight city streets being safer than wider open city streets. It makes the limits of your perception more obvious and (hopefully) puts you on alert and engaged in the driving. It doesn't actually make it any more challenging to drive, it's just making the reality of the situation more clear.
squidbot 7y ago
I agree with you, this is the best almost no cost option as there is such a close detour route and there is so little traffic coming from the east. I'm surprised this wasn't offered as a solution, all it would take is a barricade.

usrusr 7y ago

An even simpler solution that I have seen implemented on some open field crossings is to deliberately block the view line somewhere close. It doesn't have to be blocked on the entire approach, just enough to ruin the illusion of having sufficiently observed the entire crossing road. It could be a billboard with traffic safety propaganda (or ads), some greenery or a stack of photovoltaics. Not much bigger than a bus usually.

gpderetta 7y ago
this solution is actually discussed in the article and dismissed because it would be very visually intrusive with the rest of the forested land and because careless drivers might still only give a quick glance after not seeing any cars while approaching the junction from far away.
- FeepingCreature 7y ago
  Right, they presume that the entire approach would have to be covered. But the parent asserts that a short fence would be enough. (I'm inclined to agree.)
petercooper 7y ago
I'd agree with that. Even something to "break up" the view and add ambiguity might make people stop... the road equivalent of a scarecrow, perhaps.. some "scarebikes"? :- (I've seen a lot of cardboard cutouts of police officers at various petrol stations in recent years. They do make you think twice when you see them out of the corner of your eye.)
ehnto 7y ago
Same principle for tight city streets being safer than wider open city streets. It makes the limits of your perception more obvious and (hopefully) puts you on alert and engaged in the driving. It doesn't actually make it any more challenging to drive, it's just making the reality of the situation more clear.

squidbot 7y ago

I agree with you, this is the best almost no cost option as there is such a close detour route and there is so little traffic coming from the east. I'm surprised this wasn't offered as a solution, all it would take is a barricade.