Citation

Zegeer CV, Parker Jr. MR. Transp. Res. Rec. 1984; 970: 65-76.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various traffic and roadway variables on the frequency and severity of utility pole accidents. Detailed roadway and accident data were collected from each of 1,534 sections consisting of more than 2,500 miles (4000 km) of urban and rural roadway in four states. The data were analyzed by using several statistical techniques, including correlation analysis, analysis of variance and covariance, and contingency table analysis. Lateral pole offset, traffic volume, and pole density were of primary importance in explaining the variation in the frequency of utility pole accidents. In terms of accident severity, wood poles were associated with significantly higher severities than metal poles for sections with pole offsets within 10 ft (3 m). This was due to the frangible bases on most metal poles in the sample. Accident severity increased significantly with increasing roadway curvature for some speed limit categories. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were used to develop a model to predict utility pole accident experience as a function of roadway and utility pole characteristics. The model was validated and indicated satisfactory predictive capabilities. A nomograph was developed based on the model to allow for simple graphical determination of expected utility pole accident experience for various roadway conditions.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/970/970-009.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ENGINEERING; ACCIDENT PREVENTION; POLES