Prediction of the expected safety performance of rural two-lane highways Cover Image

Prediction of the expected safety performance of rural two-lane highways / [D.W. Harwood [and others]].

Harwood, Douglas W. (Added Author). United States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Safety Research and Development. (Added Author). Midwest Research Institute (Kansas City, Mo.) (Added Author).

Summary:

This report presents an algorithm for predicting the safety performance of a rural two-lane highway. The accident prediction algorithm consists of base models and accident modification factors for both roadway segments and at-grade intersections on rural two-lane highways. The base models provide an estimate of the safety performance of a roadway or intersection for a set of assumed nominal or base conditions. The accident modification factors adjust the base model predictions to account for the effects on safety for roadway segments of lane width, shoulder width, shoulder type, horizontal curves, grades, driveway density, two-way left-turn lanes, passing lanes, roadside design and the effects on safety for at-grade intersections of skew angle, traffic control, exclusive left- and right-turn lanes, sight distance, and driveways. The accident prediction algorithm is intended for application by highway agencies to estimate the safety performance of an existing or proposed roadway. The algorithm can be used to compare the anticipated safety performance of two or more geometric alternatives for a proposed highway improvement. The accident prediction algorithm includes a calibration procedure that can be used to adapt the predicted results to the safety conditions encountered by any particular highway agency on rural two-lane highways. The algorithm also includes an Empirical Bayes procedure that can be applied to utilize the safety predictions provided by the algorithm together with actual site-specific accident history data.

Electronic resources

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/99207/index.cfm

Record details

Physical Description: ix, 188 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm.
Publisher: McLean, VA : U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Research Development, and Technology, Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center ; [2000]

Content descriptions

General Note:	"December 2000." "Publication no. FHWA-RD-99-207." Cover title.
Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (pages 107-119).
Formatted Contents Note:	Introduction -- Overview of the accident prediction algorithm -- Base models -- Accident modification factors -- Sensitivity analysis results -- Implementation of the accident prediction algorithm within the IHSDM -- Conclusions, recommendations, and future enhancements -- References -- Bibliography -- Appendices.
Type of Report and Period Covered Note:	Technical report. May 1997-September 2000.
Funding Information Note:	Performed by Midwest Research Institute and sponsored by the Office of Safety Research and Development, Federal Highway Administration. DTFH61-96-C-00055.