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Strategies to Address Head-On Crashes

File Language:
English


Details

  • Creators:
  • Corporate Creators:
    Florida International University. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Contributors:
    Guthrie, Jo Ellyn M.
  • Corporate Contributors:
    Florida. Department of Transportation
  • Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Resource Type:
    Tech Report
  • Geographical Coverage:
    United States
  • Edition:
    Final Report: March 2023 – August 2024
  • Corporate Publisher:
    Florida. Department of Transportation
  • Abstract:
    While head-on crashes generally constitute a small proportion of total crash occurrences, they often result in fatal and incapacitating injuries. As a result, many agencies are exploring strategies to mitigate head-on crashes and resulting injuries. This research examined head-on crashes that occurred in Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 during the years 2018–2022. A total of 4,309 head-on crashes within the five-year study period were analyzed. A comprehensive literature review of previous studies related to head-on crash occurrence and injury severity was conducted. Effective countermeasures discussed in existing literature were also identified. Crash data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, police crash reports, and spatial analysis to determine contributing factors associated with head-on crashes, as well as crash patterns and trends. Primary roadway factors associated with the head-on crashes in District 7 include straight roadway segments, no physical barriers present (i.e., guard rails, cable, or concrete barriers), roadways with vegetation medians, locations with reflective pavement markers (RPMs) installed, and dark unlighted areas. Hot spots were determined using an optimized hot spot analysis of crash data and geographical data. Model results revealed 215 hot spots, all located in Hillsborough County in District 7. Crash modification factors (CMFs) were also developed based on a cross-sectional analysis of crash data and roadway characteristics. Findings revealed that an inside shoulder with curb and gutter offers the greatest reduction in fatal and serious injury head-on crashes for urban arterials (CMF = 0.68). Compared to undivided roadways, a median offers the greatest reduction in fatal and serious injury head-on crashes for urban collectors (CMF = 0.21). Near-term and long-term action plans to reduce head-on crashes in FDOT District 7 were also proposed. Understanding the factors associated with head-on crashes is essential for determining appropriate countermeasures to reduce head-on crash occurrence and injury severity. Findings from this research can assist FDOT and other transportation agencies in developing effective mitigation strategies.
  • Format:
    PDF
  • Funding:
    BED29-977-07
  • Collection(s):
  • Main Document Checksum:
    urn:sha-512:0e2ef6e238a0fc7f2e75ea28ea3682e10501b246b391214a472a04f77859b37e7c855b7acfc04d5ae784b32699c0212551a81c914156949bc6cbc4f155c73233
  • Download URL:
  • File Type:
    Filetype[PDF - 4.06 MB ]
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