Side Road Activated Speeds [also known as RIAWS, RJAWS and STARS] are one of the more promising tools we have for tackling high risk rural and regional intersections. The concept is simple. Slow the major road when a vehicle is detected on the side road and bring speeds down at the exact moment of conflict. But the details get very complicated.
Safe System Solutions has been engaged by Austroads to develop consistent and effective guidance for the design and planning of vehicle activated intersection speed systems. Clear guidance will help road authorities design these systems well and apply them consistently across all Austroads member jurisdictions. Better consistency means better safety outcomes for everyone that uses these roads.
As we continue this work, we’re attaching a fact sheet we produced a few years ago to help people get their head around these systems.
We would love to hear from people who have worked with these systems or driven through them. What has your experience been? What has worked well? Where are the challenges?