Citation

Durdin P, Harris D. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2015; 26(3): 52-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Safer Journeys Action Plan 2013-2015 identifies safe system signature projects as a strategic action to achieve the Safer Journeys vision. The rural roads of New Zealand's Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBoP) region were identified as an area where a signature project has the potential to make demonstrable advances in reducing road trauma for all road users. This paper describes a new risk prediction methodology that identifies high-risk curves independent of crash history. Using geospatial data and innovative analysis techniques, existing methodologies for identifying curves and calculating vehicle operating speeds were modelled and automated to undertake a network-wide assessment of high risk curves. The new methodology extracted and classified almost 7000 curves across 1,500km of road network. When compared to the location of loss-of-control crashes, it was found that 66.6% of crashes occurred on 20.3% of curves classified as 'high risk' in at least one direction. These results have been shared with road controlling authorities and will support prioritised road safety improvements targeting high risk curves

Language: en