Improving curve delineation: a review of the literature and investigation of crashes on midblock curves in Western Australia 2007-2011

Crashes on curves resulting in death and serious injury are generally over-represented for the proportion of the road network curves constitute. Enhancing the delineation of the curve is one of a number of countermeasures that can potentially reduce the likelihood of vehicles failing to maintain lane position on curves, running off the road or colliding head-on with other vehicles. This report describes a range of curve delineation treatments, including low cost effective basic treatments such as pavement markings, post-mounted delineators and Chevron Alignment Markers. Other more advanced treatments, which are higher in cost, were also reviewed. The review noted that the effect of delineation treatments on the reduction in crashes on curves can be as high as 47% for a combination of basic and enhanced delineation treatments. The analysis of crashes on midblock curves in Western Australia 2007-2011 highlighted the involvement of higher speed zones, alcohol and younger, less experienced drivers. The report concluded with the development of a proposed trial of an enhanced Chevron Alignment Marker known as Chevroflex. It was recommended that this treatment be trialled at a number of Main Roads WA identified high frequency, horizontal midblock curve crash sites in the South West and Wheatbelt North areas.

• Record URL:
  http://c-marc.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/AmendedMarch2014_FINAL_curve_delineation.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report for Road Safety Council of Western Australia
• Corporate Authors:

  Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre

  Hayman Road, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
  Bentley, Western Australia   
• Authors:
  • Palamara, P
  • Broughton, M
  • Wicks, S
• Publication Date: 2014-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 42p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: RR-11-01

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Crash rates; Evaluation; Highway curves; Highways; Layout; Literature reviews; Road markings; Rural highways; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safe systems (roads)
• Geographic Terms: Australia; Western Australia
• ATRI Terms: Alignment; Crash countermeasure; Crash rate; Curve; Evaluation; Literature review; Pavement marking; Rural road
• ITRD Terms: 1661: Accident prevention; 2872: Bend (road); 2775: Rural road
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01548130
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 17 2014 10:59AM