Low-Cost Safety Upgrades Deliver Big Benefits to Washington County

Posted May 21, 2026

Washington County's latest traffic safety study shows that a simple, inexpensive upgrade to traffic signals is delivering real results for travelers across the county.

Reflective backplates - three-inch retroreflective tape borders added around traffic signals - help make the signals more noticeable at night and in low-light conditions.

The County first began installing reflective backplates as part of the All Roads Transportation Safety (ARTS) Program, a statewide initiative dedicated to deploying low-cost, systemic safety improvements.

A comprehensive engineering analysis by Washington County found that intersections with reflective backplates saw a 16% decrease in total crashes.

This result not only confirms national research but also demonstrates that it is one of the most cost-effective safety improvements available for urban and suburban intersections.

A Low-Cost, High-Impact Strategy

Compared to major roadway reconstruction or signal technology overhauls, reflective backplates are a small investment with big returns. They require minimal installation time and can be added during routine signal maintenance.

This means the County can improve intersection safety quickly and without the high cost of infrastructure replacement.

"Our study isn't novel, but it reinforces the effectiveness of this treatment in our community," said Stacy Shetler, County Engineer for Washington County. "By sharing these results, we hope more communities can take advantage of this simple, cost-effective improvement to help make travel safer across our region."

Benefits for the Whole Community

Improved visibility at traffic signals helps all road users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit passengers.

Reflective backplates help:

• Reduce confusion at busy intersections
• Improve signal visibility for older adults and color-deficient drivers
• Increase safety during power outages or sun-glare conditions

These benefits reduce crash risks, lower emergency response needs, and reduce the costs associated with property damage and injuries.

"Reflective backplates demonstrate that improving safety doesn't always require large-scale construction or expensive technology," said John Fasana, PE, Principal Traffic Engineer. "Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest."

Washington County will continue installing reflective backplates at new and existing traffic signals, ensuring that residents benefit from proven, cost-effective safety enhancements backed by both local data and national research.

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