Citation

Hostetter RS, Crowley KW. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1106: 217-225.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A description is provided of portions of a Federal Highway Administration study. The objectives of the study were to identify driver information needs on two-lane rural highways; identify potential driver problems that can be alleviated by way of low-cost information treatments; and develop a simple procedure that can be used by state and local personnel to identify information deficiencies on low-volume roadways for which adequate accident data are not available. As part of this study a 5,000-mi, 15-state sample of roadway and informational characteristics was obtained by use of a microprocessor-based, instrumented vehicle. The data base provided insights into the nature of existing informational problems and, by way of extrapolation, an estimate of the magnitude of informational deficiencies. Estimates are presented of the nationwide scope of informational problems at horizontal curves, narrow bridges, and intersections, which are the three primary features of the two-lane rural roadway system that are associated with higher accident rates. The field data collection and problem identification activities provided the basis for the development of a simple, in-vehicle procedure that can be used by state and county engineers, road supervisors, and others to identify problem sites and determine the appropriate remedial informational treatments. The procedure involves the consideration of driver expectancies; a form of commentary driving to identify problem sites; and the application of situation-specific information deficiency checklists to determine the appropriate remedial treatment.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1106v2/1106v2-026.pdf


TRT Terms: Curves (Geometry); Data collection; Driver information systems; Intersections; Low volume roads; Narrow bridges; Needs assessment; Rural highways; Traffic control
Uncontrolled Terms: Horizontal curvature
Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION; ROADS AND STREETS - Rural; TRANSPORTATION - Accident Prevention; DATA PROCESSING