Citation

Hall JW. Transp. Res. Rec. 1982; 868: 47-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The methodology and findings of a detailed study of New Mexico traffic crashes involving impacts with guardrails, selected fixed objects, or overturning are described. Analysis of computerized accident records for 1978 and 1979 found that guardrail accidents were more often characterized by rural conditions, unfamiliar drivers, and snow-covered roads. Guardrail accidents tend to be less severe than other single-vehicle crashes. Field studies were conducted at the sites of 113 pairs of guardrail and nearby run-off-the-road crashes. Roadway geometrics were similar at both types of sites; both had significant downgrades and curvature to the left. Roadside slopes behind the guardrail did not differ significantly from front slopes at the run-off-the-road sites. Highly significant correlations were found among certain crash-site parameters. Average values of roadway and roadsite characteristics at both types of crash sites were more adverse than for the roadway system in general. The research has developed a severity-reduction model that can be used to prioritize sites that warrant guardrail installation or upgrading.

Language: en

Keywords

ROADS AND STREETS; MOTOR TRANSPORTATION - Accident Prevention