Developing an Intersection Hazard Index

A study was conducted: (1) To collect accident, environment, geometric and traffic flow data at rural three-leg wye intersections in West Virginia; (2) to identify any patterns linking accident data and intersection characteristics; and (3) to develop a measure of intersection hazard to be used in establishing priorities for improvement. Regression models, constructed to predict accident rates as environmental, geometric and traffic conditions changed at the intersection, did not prove to be statistically significant. A systematic approach to developing a specific Intersection Hazard Index was suggested. A primary advantage of the index is that it can be computed from data in an accident records system. In addition to including accident rate, the index also gives extra weight to intersections having concentrations of accidents in particular locations or accident type categories. Additional refinements to the index were recommended.