Research Reports |
Title: | Finding Direction for Safety Investments in Local Roads: System Diagnostics and Countermeasure Focus |
Authors: | Kimberly Vachal |
Publication Date: | Sep 2012 |
Report #: | DP-256 |
TRID #: | 01477151 |
Keywords: | countermeasures, crash analysis, crash characteristics, crash data, highway safety, impaired drivers, rural highways, unpaved roads |
Type: | Research Report – Department Publications |
Local rural road travel has the highest injury crash incidence in North Dakota. Crashes on these roads were determined to differ in contributing factors and characteristics when compared to those on other rural roads. Crash data from 2006 to 2010 was studied to quantify factor magnitude in predicting injury crash likelihood on High Risk Rural Road Program eligible roads, considering on driver and road factors. Driver behaviors, including impaired driving and seat belt use, have the largest role in likelihood for injury outcomes. Intersections and unpaved road surfaces are found to be most significant in increased likelihood for injury outcomes among the road factors. Findings provide insight for resource and policy decisions that may be most effective in increasing travel safety for users of these rural roads.
Vachal, Kimberly. Finding Direction for Safety Investments in Local Roads: System Diagnostics and Countermeasure Focus, DP-256. North Dakota State University, Fargo: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, 2012.