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Citation |
Zeigler AJ. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1127: 37-43. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
Research conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation has resulted in recommendations regarding both safety and environmental issues for management of roadside trees. Intended for local and state road authorities, recommendations resulted from research that included analysis of nearly 500 sites of vehicle-tree accidents across Michigan. Statistical analysis of vehicle-tree accidents in Michigan reveals, among other characteristics, that the typical driver may be intoxicated or unfamiliar with the road or both. Vehicle-tree accidents typically occur along winding rural roads and involve a vehicle that leaves the pavement on the outside of a curve. No single feature of the road environment accounts for all the accidents that occur and so can be used to determine the level of risk. The distance of the tree from the road is not sufficient by itself to determine the probability of a vehicle-tree accident. Treatment of locations should address both safety and environmental issues. High-risk locations should be identified for treatment first on the basis of both accident history and potential accident frequency. Accident profiles have been developed to identify high-risk locations while eliminating random accident sites from consideration. Tree removal is only one of many alternatives that should be considered depending on site-specific environmental and safety issues. Contact with adjacent property owners and judgment of professional engineers are essential in the treatment process rather than strict adherence to set clear-cut distances. Because it is expected that safety issues will continue to conflict with environmental issues associated with roadside trees, the management process offered will be useful in addressing the vehicle-tree accident problem. Language: en |
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Keywords |
HIGHWAY SYSTEMS; ROADS AND STREETS - Rural; TRANSPORTATION - Accident Prevention; RISK STUDIES |