THE EFFECTS OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

This study analyzes the accident frequency before and after construction of 72 street improvement projects in Los Angeles during a 5-year period ending in 1973. Two-year before and after study periods were used in most cases, and projects were segregated into 4 major-types of street improvements: continuous widening, holdout elimination; curve realignment; and jog elimination. The data gathering technique is discussed and the results of the study are tabulated. The study shows a substantial reduction in accidents resulting from the improvement of substandard arterial highways. The total accident reduction amounted to an average improvement of 20 percent for all street improvement categories. The primary asset of this study is a realistic projection of accident reductions based on the correlation of similar street improvement projects. Accurate user benefits can be determined from this data. It is also emphasized that other benefits both tangible (reduced delay and operating costs) and intangible (driver comfort, aesthetics) were also gained.

• Corporate Authors:

  Los Angeles Department of Traffic

  City Hall, Room 1200
  Los Angeles, CA  United States  90012
• Authors:
  • Taylor, S S
• Publication Date: 1977-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Tables;
• Pagination: 70 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Before and after studies; Comfort; Crash rates; Curves (Geometry); Drivers; Highways; Improvements; Pavement widening; Prevention; Safety; Streets; Traffic delays; User benefits
• Old TRIS Terms: Street widening
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00157204
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM