Q: Have the cable barriers installed in the median of Ga. 400 been effective in reducing crossover accidents and fatalities, as they were predicted to do? -- Anita Hart, Dawsonville
A: The cable barriers on Ga. 400 in Forsyth County haven't been installed long enough to gather a large enough sample size. But statistics show that the barriers on the portion of the road that runs through Fulton County have reduced crossover accidents, Georgia Department of Transportation spokesman Mark D. McKinnon told Q&A on the News in an email. The barriers were installed in Fulton County in 2009.
2006: 17 crashes, eight injuries, one fatality
2007: 22 crashes, 11 injuries
2008: 21 crashes, 11 injuries
2009: 10 crashes, two injuries
2010: Six crashes, four injuries
2011: Five crashes, three injuries
2012: One crash
The average was 20 crashes and 10 injuries per year from 2006 to 2008. After 2009, the average is four crashes and 2.3 injuries, counting the first four months of 2012.
“While we did not see many reported crossover fatalities historically on Ga. 400, we did see a lot of injuries,” McKinnon said. “I think these numbers clearly show that the cable barriers are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities from crossover crashes.” Last fall, the DOT announced that it would extend the cable barriers on the portion of Ga. 400 that goes through Dawson and Lumpkin counties.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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