Influencing Factors Contributing to Rear-End Collisions on Highways: PCA Based Investigation and Findings

Taking the 2003–2005 highway accident data surveyed from Hada Highway and Hashuang Highway into consideration, rear-end collisions are divided into two patterns: rear-collisions and stationary object collisions. The principal analysis identified the impact level of different factors on two types of rear-end collisions. Then, significant impact factors are detected and identified by charting analysis and clustering research. The final investigation result indicates that fatigue, excessive speed, unsafe following distance, congestion et al, are main impact factors on rear collision accidents. However, excessive speed, fatigue, illegal parking, et al, have a significant effect on the occurrence of stationary object collisions, which provide a reference for highway management departments.