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Phoenix666 [soylentnews.org] writes:

The state of Missouri is a pioneer in adopting Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) named for their innovative design. At these interchanges drivers are diverted to the left side of the road prior to merging onto an interstate, freeway or highway. The first such interchange in the U.S. opened in Springfield, Mo. in 2009. Recent studies from the University of Missouri [sciencedaily.com] have found that these unusual designs are safer and save lives.

Statewide implementation of DDIs has been investigated mostly by MU civil engineers who recently published three studies analyzing the safety of these inventive designs. By analyzing more than 10,000 crash reports of DDIs in Missouri and in states that have adopted the designs, civil engineers have determined that overall crashes decreased by more than 50 percent nationwide. Additionally, fatal and injury crashes decreased by more than 70 percent, proving these cutting-edge designs are efficient, effective and life-saving.

Unlike conventional interchanges at which drivers always stay in the right lane and make wide left turns onto the overpass, DDIs are considered safer because they utilize all left turns and decrease crashes at crucial interchanges (see photo). DDIs divert drivers exiting major thoroughfares by requiring traffic on an overpass or underpass to drive on the left side of the trafficway, improving safety by eliminating left-turning conflicts common in diamond interchanges; traffic flow is optimized through traffic signals.

New Jersey Jug handles [wikipedia.org], which require you to turn the opposite direction you wish to go, aren't the answer?

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