What is a Stroad? And Why is it Dangerous for Delaware Drivers?
If you’re a driver in Delaware—or anywhere else, for that matter—you’ve likely encountered a “stroad” without even realizing it. These hybrid roadways are everywhere, and while they might seem convenient at first glance, they are among the most dangerous places to drive.
With the passage of Delaware’s Everyone Gets Home Act, the state is taking important steps to address safety issues on its roads, including stroads. Let’s dive into what stroads are, why they’re so hazardous, and how new legislation is making Delaware’s roads safer for everyone.
What is a Stroad?
A “stroad” is a combination of “street” and “road.” It’s a term coined by transportation planner Charles Marohn to describe a type of roadway that combines the characteristics of a street and a road but fails to function effectively as either.
Streets are designed for slower speeds and prioritize people—whether they’re walking, biking, or driving. Think of streets in downtown areas with sidewalks, crosswalks, and storefronts.
Roads are designed for higher speeds and efficient transportation over longer distances, with limited access points and minimal distractions—like highways or rural routes.
A stroad attempts to do both: move traffic quickly while supporting local access to businesses, homes, and pedestrians. The result? A dangerous, inefficient, and often confusing space for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Here’s a link to a video that provides an introduction to stroads.
What Makes Stroads So Dangerous?
Stroads are inherently flawed in their design, and this makes them a hotspot for accidents. Here are a few reasons why:
High Speeds with Frequent Access Points
Stroads often have speed limits of 40–50 mph, yet they’re littered with driveways, intersections, and stoplights. This combination means drivers are encouraged to go fast while constantly encountering situations that require sudden braking or turning.
Multiple Modes of Transportation in Conflict
On a stroad, you’ll find pedestrians crossing wide lanes, cyclists trying to navigate without proper bike paths, and vehicles merging in and out of traffic. This mix creates a chaotic environment where accidents are more likely to happen.
Poor Visibility and Reaction Times
The layout of stroads can confuse drivers. For instance, wide lanes and large setbacks from the road can make it harder to see pedestrians or cyclists. Additionally, drivers may misjudge distances due to the inconsistent design.
Encourages Distracted Driving
Stroads are filled with distractions, from flashing business signs to complex lane patterns. This environment often leads drivers to pay less attention to the road, increasing the risk of collisions.
Inefficiency
Stroads don’t succeed as streets or roads. Traffic congestion is common, and the design fails to prioritize the safety and convenience of any one group—whether it’s drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
Examples of Stroads in Delaware
Delaware has its fair share of stroads, particularly in suburban and commercial areas. Route 40, which runs through parts of Newark and Bear, is a prime example. It features multiple lanes of traffic, numerous intersections, and strip malls with direct driveway access. Route 13 near Dover and parts of Route 1 also exhibit stroad characteristics, with a mix of high-speed traffic and businesses lining the roadway.
These roads are not just inconvenient—they’re deadly. Data from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) shows that intersections and access points along stroads account for a significant portion of traffic accidents in the state.
The Everyone Gets Home Act: A Step Toward Safer Roads
Recognizing the dangers of stroads and other hazardous road designs, Delaware lawmakers passed the Everyone Gets Home Act in 2024. This comprehensive piece of legislation aims to improve safety for all road users by addressing the underlying design and behavioral issues that lead to accidents.
Here’s how the Everyone Gets Home Act is making a difference:
Roadway Redesign Projects
The act assigns funding to redesign existing stroads to better align with their intended use. This includes:
- Narrowing lanes to reduce speeding.
- Adding protected bike lanes and wider sidewalks.
- Reducing the number of access points to minimize conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
· Lower Speed Limits in High-Risk Areas
One of the key provisions of the act is the reduction of speed limits on roads identified as high-risk stroads. Speed enforcement measures, including speed cameras, are being deployed in these areas to ensure compliance.
Improved Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure
Stroads often neglect the needs of non-drivers. The Everyone Gets Home Act mandates the installation of pedestrian crossings, traffic calming measures, and dedicated bike lanes on major stroads throughout the state.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Educating drivers about the dangers of stroads and safe driving practices is another pillar of the act. Through ads, workshops, and school programs, Delaware is working to change how people approach driving on these complex roadways.
Data-Driven Improvements
DelDOT is using crash data and traffic flow analysis to prioritize improvements on the state’s most dangerous stroads. This ensures that resources are allocated where they’re needed most.
How Can Drivers Stay Safe on Stroads?
While the Everyone Gets Home Act is a promising step forward, drivers still need to take personal responsibility for their safety on stroads. Here are some tips:
Slow Down
Even if the speed limit is high, consider driving at a more cautious speed, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian or cyclist traffic.
Stay Alert
With so much happening on stroads, distractions can be deadly. Avoid using your phone or fiddling with in-car systems while driving.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Always be on the lookout for people crossing or biking along the stroad. Many accidents happen because drivers fail to see them in time.
Use Turn Signals
With so many access points, clear communication is key. Signal your intentions well in advance of turning or changing lanes.
Plan Your Route
If possible, avoid stroads altogether by taking alternate routes that are safer and less congested.
The Future of Delaware’s Roads
Stroads may be a common sight today, but efforts like the Everyone Gets Home Act are paving the way for safer, more efficient roads in Delaware. By addressing the root causes of accidents—poor design and unsafe driving behaviors—this legislation is a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, whether driving, walking, or cycling, gets home safely.
However, even with changes to modern roadway designs, particularly stroads, drivers must still understand how to navigate them. The Drivesafe Online Delaware Defensive Driving Course helps drivers develop the awareness and skills necessary to handle these complex environments. Drivers learn how to anticipate sudden stops, identify potential hazards, and adapt their driving strategies to maintain safety on these dangerous and unpredictable roadways.
The next time you’re driving on one of Delaware’s stroads, think about how you can contribute to a safer environment. Small changes in behavior, combined with state-level reforms, can make a big difference in reducing accidents and saving lives.
