United States Department of Transportation
i
Promotional Issues Related to Off-Site Accident Investigation
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1987-01-01
[PDF-1.15 MB]
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Abstract:The research documented in this report involved a review of legal and insurance issues relative to off-site accident investigation locations, referred to as Accident Investigation Sites (AISs), through library searches and contact with a limited number of individuals, organizations, and agencies involved in the coordination or administration of legal and insurance matters as related to traffic accidents. In addition, the literature regarding the use of AISs was reviewed. AISs are low-cost special designated and signed areas off the freeway where damaged vehicles can be moved, motorists can exchange information, and police and motorists can complete the necessary accident forms. These areas are located such that the motorists involved in the accident, the investigating police and the tow truck operators are out of view from freeway drivers. Thus "rubbernecking" and consequently, freeway congestion, is reduced. Freeway congestion is also reduced because the motorists involved in property-damage-only accidents have a place where they can move their vehicles while waiting for the police investigators to arrive. Experiences with AISs in Houston, Texas resulted in a benefit-cost ratio of 28:1 during the first year of operation. Data indicated that the potential benefit-cost ratio could be as high as 35:1, that is, $35 return for every $1 invested. The AIS concept is applicable for a variety of metropolitan area traffic management strategies. Three broad categories of situations are as follows: 1) No electronic surveillance and control traffic management system exists - AISs can be implemented; 2) an agency is planning to implement an electronic freeway surveillance and control traffic management system - AISs can be included as part of the overall system; and 3) existing urban freeway networks which have operating electronic surveillance and control traffic management systems - AISs can be added. The report identifies and discusses the administrative, location, design, operational, legal and insurance issues that must be addressed by highway and police agencies in order to successfully implement and operate AISs.
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