Factors Affecting Median Cable Barrier Crash Frequency: New Insights

This study evaluated the impact of roadway cross-sectional and geometric features, traffic characteristics, and median cable barrier placement to the frequency of median-related crashes through statistical modeling using multiyear data. A unique aspect of the model specification was the inclusion of median cable barrier placement data, horizontal curve data, and differential elevation of opposite travel lanes. Negative binomial model was used in linearizing and quantifying these factors with respect to median crossover crash frequency. The variables that were found to significantly influence the frequency of median crashes include the number of lanes, differential elevation, and cable barrier offset from the inside shoulder. Increasing traffic volume was found to increase the frequency of median barrier crashes as well as the presence of curves on a median barrier section was found to increase the frequency of crashes. Higher differential elevation between opposite travel lanes was also found to increase the frequency of median barrier crashes. Increasing the median barrier offset from the inside shoulder of the travel way decreases median barrier injury and fatal crash frequency. Segments with a higher number of lanes and a wider median width were associated with low crash frequencies.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.1080/19439962.2013.812168
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/19439962
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Taylor & Francis
• Authors:
  • Chimba, Deo
  • Emaasit, Daniel
  • Allen, Steve
  • Hurst, Brian
  • Nelson, Marcie
• Publication Date: 2014-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 62-77
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Safety & Security
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1943-9962
  • EISSN: 1943-9970
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/utss20#.U2qTJPldWCm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cables; Crash injuries; Crossovers; Fatalities; Guardrails; Highway curves; Highway safety; Median barriers; Opposing traffic; Risk assessment; Traffic volume
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500232
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 28 2013 3:01PM