According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 41,059 people died in car accidents in 2007. And 8,657 of those deaths occurred at intersections.Intersections are one of the most dangerous parts of our roads. About 45 percent of all accidents are intersection-related, and 21 percent of fatalities in car accidents happen at intersections. In Baton Rouge there were 14 deaths caused by intersection-related car accidents in 2007.Traffic is coming from different directions at intersections which often leads to collisions, but there are ways to prevent accidents and make intersections safer. On our campus there are several intersections that are confusing to drivers. These intersections should be fixed to make campus roads safer and reduce accidents on campus.The intersection between Parker Boulevard and West Lakeshore Drive, near the University Student Recreation Complex looks like it should be a four-way stop, but there are only two stop signs. Cars race down West Lakeshore, and if the driver is not paying attention on Parker, they may think it is a four-way stop. Recently, I have seen two accidents at this intersection — both of which seemed like the car had been broadsided.Two stop signs should be added to this intersection to make it a four-way stop. There is a need for new traffic signs — it is not a difficult process in Baton Rouge. According to the city’s Web site, new street signs can be requested at the Baton Rouge Department of Public Works. Once requested, the Department of Public Works contacts the traffic engineering division. They conduct a study to see if it would be possible to add the requested traffic signs and if there is a need for the new traffic signs. This study usually takes 45 to 60 days to conduct.Another solution would be to warn drivers ahead of time that it is a two-way stop. The intersection has a sign that reads “cross street does not stop” directly below the stop sign. Despite this sign, accidents still occur often.This may be because drivers are simply paying attention to the stop sign and concentrating on whether  they can go. Perhaps if the driver was warned before they ever reached the stop, they would be more aware.This could be done with pavement markings on the road that warn the driver.  In early 2008 the Federal Highway Administration conducted a study to find the effectiveness of “stop ahead” pavement markings. After adding pavement markings, accidents decreased by 15 percent. The markings only cost the government $78 to $366 a year to maintain. The concept of “stop ahead” marking could be applied to the Parker-W. Lakeshore intersection. There could be a “two-way stop” sign  painted on the road. This could be a cost effective solution to the hazardous intersection.Another confusing area is South Campus Drive, in front of the Nuclear Science Building. South Campus splits and part veers off to South Stadium Drive. The markings on the road are confusing because the road suddenly splits from a single lane into two lanes.The road markings are triangular indicators of the new lane. It would be helpful to add a dashed line, marking exactly where the new lane is. This would guide traffic and make the road easier to follow. The markings on this road are fading, making it difficult to read, especially at night. According to the Federal Highway Administration, it only costs about $1.56 per square foot to add and repaint road lines and other pavement markings. Pavement markings should be repainted at least every year.The new paint used for these lines, should be reflective so drivers at night are still aware of them.But road safety goes both ways. Roads need to be clearly marked and understandable, but drivers also need to be observant and cautious. Drivers often have a tendency to roll through stop signs or ignore them completely at less busy intersections. If a car were to do this at the Parker and West Lakeshore intersection, there is a chance they would be side-swiped by a car coming around the bend. Always stop and check for oncoming traffic at an intersection.These intersections on our campus should be made safer and clearer for students. The changes that need to be made are not difficult. They are cost-effective and could prevent further accidents, potentially saving lives.—-Contact Nikki Oden at [email protected]