Citation

Pigman JG, Agent KR, Creasey T. Transp. Res. Rec. 1985; 1024: 80-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1985, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper is an analysis of 127 accidents involving crash cushions in Kentucky. The primary data base was for the period 1980-1982, with some additional data before and after this period. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a repair form. The largest number of accidents (63) involved a Hi-Dro cell cushion or cluster, followed by 33 accidents involving a Guardrail Energy-Absorbing Terminal (G.R.E.A.T.) crash cushion, 19 with a temporary G.R.E.A.T. system, 10 with sand barrels, and 2 with steel drums. Average repair cost was lowest for the Hi-Dro cell cushion ($392) and highest for the Hi-Dro cell cluster ($2839). Other repair costs were $1886 for the G.R.E.A.T. system, $887 for sand-barrel installations, and $1760 for steel-drum installations. For those accidents in which performance was noted, crash cushions performed properly 85 percent of the time. Instances of improper performance generally involved either rebounding of a vehicle into or across the adjacent roadway or overturning of a vehicle. All the various types performed well.

RESULTS from the cost-effectiveness analysis show that crash cushion installations produce a benefit/cost ratio in the range of 1.0-2.0.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1985/1024/1024-011.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS; HIGHWAY SYSTEMS - Accident Prevention; HIGHWAY ENGINEERING - Economics