Citation

Brittenham TG, Glancy DM, Karrer EH. Highw. Res. Board bull. 1957; 161: 30-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1957, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The three major factors contributing to highway traffic accidents are the driver, the road, and the motor vehicle. One-car accidents were investigated in ohio. A team of engineers examined all of the roadway and traffic devices which were thought to have possibly contributed to each accident, and a team of sociologists interviewed the drivers involved. The following highway field measurements were made at the site of each one-car accident: (1) exact location of the accident and the path followed by the accident car, (2) pavement cross-section, number and width of lanes, (3) shoulder cross-section, (4) safe speed, (5) sight distance available for passing, (6) dry pavement coefficient of friction, (7) pavement rideability, and (8) presence of advisory speed signs and pavement marking.

RESULTS of driver interviews are reported in tabular form. Age, alcohol, education, marital status and traffic arrest history are principal driver variables that appear to have an effect on accident rates. It appears that the interview technique might be utilized as a sort of test to measure driver insight or awareness of self of the general driving public.