Horizontal Curve Accident Modification Factor with Consideration of Driveway Density on Rural Four-Lane Highways in Texas
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 136, Issue 9
Abstract
Agencies are seeking a better understanding of those roadway or roadside features that affect safety. The objectives of this study were to develop a horizontal curve accident modification factor (AMF) for rural four-lane divided and undivided highways and to determine if the effect of driveway density is different for horizontal curves as compared to tangent sections. Data available for use in the evaluation included 194.8 centerline km (121 centerline mi) of rural four-lane highways. Negative binomial regression models were used to determine the effects of independent variables on crashes. Variables considered in developing the base models included driveway density, lane width, outside shoulder width, median width (which included inside shoulder width), median type, degree of curve, segment length, and average daily traffic. Five years (1997–2001) of driveway and segment crashes were examined. An AMF for horizontal curves was identified. Reviewing the findings with respect to driveway density revealed that the effect of driveway density is different for horizontal curves and tangents; however, the differences were relatively minor.
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Acknowledgments
This report is based on research sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The research was performed at the Texas Transportation Institute. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or polices of TxDOT or FHWA. The writers gratefully acknowledge the thoughts and comments provided by James A. Bonneson during the development of this paper. The writers also appreciate the comments provided by Elizabeth Hilton who served as the TxDOT project director for the study.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 136 • Issue 9 • September 2010
Pages: 827 - 835
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 26, 2009
Accepted: Jan 22, 2010
Published online: Jan 25, 2010
Published in print: Sep 2010
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