Roadside safety

Find state roadside safety policies and guidance for designers.

Find state roadside safety policies and guidance for designers in Division 16 of the WSDOT Design Manual.

Before using these chapters, designers need to see WSDOT Design Manual Chapter 1105 (PDF 127KB) (for Improvement projects) or Chapter 1120 (PDF 97KB) (for Preservation projects) to determine what kind of roadside safety design and analysis are required on your project.

Design Manual M22-01

Chapter 1600 Roadside Safety (PDF 678KB)

Chapter 1610 Traffic Barriers (PDF 1.2MB)

Chapter 1620 Impact Attenuators (PDF 1.8MB)

Design Bulletins about roadside safety are occasionally issued to provide clarification or additional guidance for certain situations or projects types. They are normally provided between manual updates, and eventually incorporated into the WSDOT Design Manual or retired depending on the topic. See the Roadside Safety questions and answers (DOCX 22KB) that specifically addresses emergent questions in roadside safety.

See all manuals and standards

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.