Engineering Commons^™

Improvement Of Fatal Crash Analysis And Follow-Up, William Nicholas Staats, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Paul A. Ross

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Executive Summary

Fatalities resulting from traffic crashes in Kentucky increased from a low of 638 in 2013 to 834 in 2016 (a 31% increase), and there is not a full understanding of the underlying causes for this trend. This study analyzes fatal crashes using data from both Kentucky’s crash reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) to identify countermeasures to combat increasing fatal crash rates. In addition, this study compares Kentucky’s crash reports to the fatal crash data in FARS to identify data inconsistencies and recommend procedures to eliminate these inconsistencies.

Emphasis was …

Creating A National Coalition To Address Tractor Overturn Fatalities., Pamela J. Tinc, Paul D. Ayers, John J. May, Mark A. Purschwitz, Julie A. Sorensen

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Tractor overturns continue to be the leading cause of death on U.S. farms. While rollover protective structures (ROPS) are effective in preventing these fatalities, they are underutilized due to a number of barriers. Past programs in the U.S. and abroad have targeted this area of agricultural safety; however, a national program is not yet in place for U.S. farmers. This study seeks to build a national partnership to address tractor overturn fatalities by increasing the number of tractors with ROPS. A diverse, multisector steering committee has been organized and is working together using Whole System in a Room methods. This …

Use Of Reflective Armbands To Improve Adolescent Pedestrian And Pedalcyclist Safety, Nancy Dunaway, Eric R. Green, Jerry G. Pigman, Monica L. Barrett

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this effort was to determine if elementary and middle school students could be educated to use reflective armbands to increase their visibility to motorists while walking or bicycling to school. The number of armbands and surveys distributed totaled slightly over 7,000. Responses were received from approximately 12 percent (873) of the pre-surveys and slightly over 3 percent (119) of the post-surveys. Respondents to the survey indicated nearly 15 percent of schoolchildren receiving reflective armbands were wearing the armband “every day” or “most days”. Of the parents responding, 21 percent indicated their children would continue to wear the …

Evaluation Of Methods To Limit The Time Taken To Investigate Crash Sites, Jennifer R. Walton, Monica L. Barrett, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highway crashes have significant direct and indirect costs associated with them. Substantial sources of indirect costs are the congestion and delays that result from lane blockages or road closures while the crash is being investigated and the site cleared. In many cases, vehicles could be moved and roadways reopened very quickly, but this does not occur because of the need (or perceived need) to conduct a detailed investigation of the crash scene. The objective of this study was to identify opportunities to reduce the time required to investigate and clear crash scenes. This project includes a review of state and …

Development Of Kentucky’S Highway Incident Management Strategic Plan, Monica L. Barrett, Joseph D. Crabtree, Jerry G. Pigman, Jennifer R. Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Even though Kentucky has undertaken many initiatives to improve specific aspects of incident management, there has never been a plan that establishes an overall framework for a systematic, statewide, multi-agency effort to improve the management of highway incidents. The objective of this project was to develop a strategic plan that provides a vision and strategy for significantly improving all aspects of incident management. This report identifies the current and best practices for highway incident management in the United States and in Kentucky and establishes a vision for the future of highway incident management in Kentucky. The Plan developed through the …

Kentucky’S Highway Incident Management Strategic Plan, Monica L. Barrett, Joseph D. Crabtree, Jerry G. Pigman, Jennifer R. Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky ’s Highway Incident Management Strategic Plan consists of a mission statement, 4 goals, 16 objectives, and 49 action strategies. The action strategies are arranged by priority and recommended time frame for implementation. When implemented, the action strategies will help Kentucky achieve its primary goals for incident management: 1) improved safety of responders, highway workers, and motorists; 2) reduced traffic delay; 3) improved motorist awareness; and 4) improved responder and highway worker preparedness.

Crash Rates At Intersections, Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to develop a database of intersections, match traffic crashes to these intersections, calculate crash rates for various types of intersections, and identify intersections with the highest crash rates. A procedure was used to: a) identify intersections, b) assign crashes to these intersections, c) determine entering traffic volume, d) calculate a crash rate for each intersection, and e) calculate a critical rate factor (CRF) for each intersection.

About 7,000 intersections were identified with almost 19,000 crashes related to these intersections for the three-year period of 2000 through 2002. The analysis identified 428 intersections that had …

Highway Crash Site Management, Monica L. Barrett, Jennifer R. Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Traveler delay is the problem most often associated with highway crashes, but by far the most serious problem is the resulting secondary crashes that occur. Another related issue is the danger posed to response personnel serving the public at the scene of a crash. The longer a crash is in place, the longer the responders are vulnerable and exposed to injury.

The Kentucky Transportation Center, in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, developed a checklist and interagency workshop to address ways to secure and coordinate the resources necessary to restore the roadway’s operation in a safe and timely manner. The …

Guidelines For The Installation Of Left-Turn Phasing, Kenneth R. Agent, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Bryan Dyer

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to update the guidelines to be considered when determining whether left-turn phasing should be used and the appropriate type at phasing to use. Emphasis was placed on high speed areas.

There were 264 intersections included in the study with data obtained tor 518 approaches at these intersections. The data included accidents and characteristics at the intersection. Traffic conflict data were collected. Simulation models were used to estimate delays.

Recommendations were made concerning guidelines to consider when deciding whether to install left turn phasing and whether to use protected-only or protected/permitted phasing. Variables considered included …

Development Of A Safety Management System, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Safety Management System (SMS) is one of six management systems mandated by Section 1 034 of the 1991 lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). The overall goal of a SMS is to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. lt is to be comprehensive in that it incorporates all public roads and all contributing factors associated with the driver, the vehicle, and the roadway. The objective of this study was to develop a procedure to implement a SMS for Kentucky. A recommended process is described. Agencies and organizations were identified which have a role or interest in traffic …

Evaluation Of The Lexington-Fayette County Safety Belt Ordinance, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A mandatory safety belt ordinance was enacted in Fayette County with an effective date of July 1, 1990. One objective of this study was to conduct usage surveys after the ordinance had been in effect for approximately three years. This would allow comparisons to be made of safety belt usage before and immediately after the effective date of the ordinance to that found a substantial time period after enactment of the ordinance. A second objective of the study was to compere accident data before and after the ordinance became effective. The would allow an analysis of the effect the ordinance …

Analysis Of Alcohol And Speed Related Traffic Accidents In Fayette County, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

One objective of this study was to update the statistics related to alcohol-related accidents and arrests In Fayette County. The second objective was to include an analysis of speed-related accidents and citations.

The number of alcohol-related accidents in Fayette County has decreased over the past several years. The number of speed-related accidents has remained relatively constant Differences between the characteristics of all accidents and alcohol and speed-related accidents were noted. For example, there were higher percentages of alcohol and speed-related accidents involving a fixed object. Differences in driver characteristics, such as the high percentage of drivers in the 16 to …

Performance Of A Modified Turned-Down Guardrail End Treatment In Traffic Accidents, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the continued monitoring of the performance of the modified turned-down guardrail end treatment (Type 7) in traffic accidents. Data for a total of 67 accidents involving the modified turned-down guardrail end treatment were identified. Performance was classified as proper in 51 of the 61 accidents (84 percent) in which it was determined. In the majority of the accidents in which proper performance occurred, the vehicle either traveled onto the top at the guardrail beyond the breakaway section or broke through the breakaway posts and proceeded behind the guardrail.

The …

Youth Needs And Assessment Survey, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The characteristics of traffic accidents involving teenage (16 to 19 years of age) drivers are summarized in this report and compared to all accidents. This was accomplished through an analysis of statewide accident data for a three-year period (1989 through 1991). Counties having the highest overrepresentation of accidents involving teenage drivers were identified. The status of highway safety programs currently in place in school districts in Kentucky is presented. A survey was sent to 182 school districts in Kentucky with a 64 percent response rate obtained. Relevant literature was reviewed, and summary statements are given in the Appendix. This summary …

Performance Of Guardrail End Treatments In Traffic Accidents, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to report the results of the continued monitoring of the performance of guardrail end treatments in traffic accidents. This report includes an analysis of accidents involving the breakaway-cable-terminal (BCT), Kentucky's version of the median BCT (MBCT), Kentucky's weakened turned down (Type 7), the Crash Cushion Attenuating Terminal (CAT), and the Breakmaster System. The report includes data for 349 accidents. This includes 232 accidents involving a BCT, 66 accidents involving a MBCT, 37 accidents involving the Type 7 turned-down end treatment, 12 accidents involving the CAT, and 2 accidents involving the Breakmaster.

Considering all accidents, …

Impact Evaluation Of The Louisville-Shively-Jefferson County Traffic Alcohol Programs, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Patricia L. Hardyman, Knowlton W. Johnson, Richard Mccleary

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of alcohol enforcement programs conducted by the Louisville, Jefferson County, and Shively police agencies in the Louisville metropolitan area. The following four types of data were collected in order to evaluate the traffic alcohol programs; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, cost-effectiveness, and public opinion data.

Results from the before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alcohol-related accidents decreased significantly during the study period, There was a 34.4 percent reduction in alcohol-related accidents during hours of special enforcement and a 30.4 percent reduction during all hours of the day. Time-series analysis of accident data showed a …

Performance Evaluation Of Breakaway-Cable-Terminal End Treatments, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report included an analysis of 110 accidents involving breakaway-cableterminal (BCT) end treatments and 36 accidents involving median-breakaway-cableterminal (MBCT) end treatments as used in Kentucky. The primary data base consisted of Kentucky accident records for the years 1980-87; with a few accidents that were identified before 1980. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a maintenance repair form.

Results revealed that the breakaway-cable-terminal end treatment performed properly in 73 percent of the accidents when all three configurations of end treatments were combined (simple curve, parabolic flare, and straight). Proper performance was defined as …

Traffic Control And Accidents At Rural, High-Speed Intersections, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The site characteristics, traffic control used, and accidents occurring at 65 rural, high-speed intersections were summarized. The differences resulting when the right of way is controlled by stop signs versus a traffic signal are discussed. The factors contributing to the accidents as well as the characteristics of the accidents were analyzed. The data obtained at each intersection were summarized and recommendations, which could be used as a guide for implementing changes at other similar intersections, were made for the study locations. The accident analysis shows that providing the driver adequate warning of the intersection is of primary importance for this …

Impact Evaluation Of The Lexington-Fayette County Traffic Alcohol Program (1982-1986), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is a final evaluation of four years of increased police enforcement to reduce alcohol-related accidents in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky. Three types of data were collected as a means of evaluating the Traffic Alcohol Program; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, and cost-effectiveness data.

Results from before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alcohol-related accidents decreased significantly during the study period. When comparing two years before with four years during the increased enforcement, the reduction in alcohol-related accidents during hours of increased enforcement was 37.3 percent using standard before and after analysis and 36.4 percent using time-series analysis. For all …

Evaluation Of Snowplowable Marker Installations, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The first large-scale contracts for the installation of snowplowable markers were awarded in 1984 and 1985. Stimsonite 96 and recessed markers were installed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the installations. Durability and reflectivity results show that both the recessed markers and Stimsonite 96 markers have performed effectively as snowplowable markers. The recessed markers should continue to be used only on four-lane highways constructed to high geometric standards with the Stimsonite 96 markers installed on the majority of highways.

Treatment Of Narrow Medians On Four-Lane Rural Roadways, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to investigate alternatives to paved mountable medians that have been used in the past on sections of four-lane, partially controlled access roads where right-of-way is restricted. These mountable medians present obvious operational problems due to the 3-inch difference in height as compared to the through lanes. In addition, construction and maintenance problems are associated with mountable medians because of the height differential.

A telephone survey of 16 states was conducted to determine their policy for separation of rural four-lane roads with partial control of access and narrow medians. Accident analyses comparing roads in Kentucky …

Impact Evaluation Of The Traffic Alcohol Program In Lexington, Kentucky, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of increased police enforcement to reduce alcohol-related accidents in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky. Three types of data were coIlected as a means of evaluating the Traffic Alcohol Program; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, and cost-effectiveness data.

Results from before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alcohol related accidents decreased significantly during the study period. When comparing two years before with three years during the increased enforcement, the percent reduction in alcohol-related accidents was 28.1 percent using standard before and after analysis and 29.1 percent using time-series analysis. During the same time period, alcohol related fatal or …

Impact Evaluation Of Traffic Alcohol Programs: Selected Locations In Kentucky, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of increased police enforcement to reduce alcohol-related accidents at selected locations in Kentucky. Evaluations were performed for the following programs: 1) Lexington-Fayette County, including only Urban Police enforcement; 2) McCracken County, including Kentucky State Police, Sheriff's Office and Paducah Police enforcement; and 3) Warren County, including both Kentucky State Police and Bowling Green Police enforcement. Duration of enforcement and level of enforcement varied among the programs.

Four types of data were collected as a means of evaluating Traffic Alcohol Programs at the locations selected for study; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, cost-effectiveness data, and …

Analysis Of Accidents Involving Breakaway-Cable-Terminal End Treatments, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Tom Creasey

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report included an analysis of 50 accidents involving breakaway-cable-terminal (BCT) end treatments and 19 accidents involving median-breakaway-cable-terminal (BMCT) end treatments. The primary data base consisted of Kentucky accident records for the years 1980-82; with selected accidents included before 1980 and after 1982. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a maintenance repair form.

Results showed that the breakaway-cable-terminal end treatment performed properly in most accidents (72 percent); that is, the end treatment performed as it was designed with the wooden posts breaking away or the guardrail redirecting the vehicle. Only four impacts …

Analysis Of Accidents Involving Crash Cushions, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Tom Creasey

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an analysis of 127 accidents involving crash cushions in Kentucky. The primary data base was for the period 1980-82, with some additional data before and after this period. An attempt was made to document each accident with a police report, photographs, and a repair form. The largest number of accidents (63) involved a Hi-Dro cell cushion or cluster, followed by 33 accidents involving a G.R.E.A.T. crash cushion, 19 with a temporary G.R.E.A.T., 10 with sand barrels, and 2 with steel drums.

Average repair cost was lowest for the Hi-Dro cell cushion ($392) and highest for the Hi-Dro …

Concrete Barrier Geometrics (Us-41 Bridge In Henderson, Kentucky), Kentucky Transportation Research Program

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The bridge railing constructed on the approaches to the US-41 northbound bridge over the Ohio River at Henderson, Kentucky, is not in conformance with specifications The vertical face was constructed to be an average height of 4 3/4 inches above the pavement surface rather than the specified 3 inches. From the top of the vertical face, the barrier conformed to a standard New Jersey barrier. However, this meant the intersection between the two sloping surfaces was 14 1/2 inches rather than 13 inches above the pavement surface.

An analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the in-place barrier walls (bridge rail) …

Alcohol Impact Evaluation (Interim Report), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report is an evaluation of increased police enforcement to reduce alcohol related accidents in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky. Three types of information were collected for the analysis; accident data, arrest and adjudication data, and personal opinion data obtained by means of a questionnaire survey. Accident data were collected for two years before the Traffic Alcohol Program (TAP) and one year during the program. A 25 percent sample of arrest and adjudication data was collected one year before and one year during TAP. The questionnaire was sent to 2,500 registered vehicle owners.

Results from before-and-after comparisons and time-series analysis show alchol …

Evaluation Of Reversible Lanes (Nicholasville Road; Lexington, Ky), Kenneth R. Agent, Jon D. Clark

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The study involved an evaluation of reversibIe lanes as a method of increasing traffic flow. A unique feature of the system was allowing Ieft turns during the period of reversible flow, which meant that the left-turn lanes had to be moved and the signal displays shifted during operation and without interrupting traffic flow. The evaluation involved a comparison of data taken before and after installation of the reversible lanes. Types of data included delays, volumes, accidents, speeds, traffic conflicts, fuel consumption, and environmental factors.

Installation of the reversible lanes resulted in a significant savings in travel time in the peak …

Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Accidents In Kentucky, Kenneth R. Agent, Charles V. Zegeer, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics associated with bicycle related, motor-vehicle accidents in Kentucky. It was found that cyclists 10 to 14 years of age were involved in the largest number of motor-vehicle related accidents. Males were involved in four times as many accidents a s females. Most accidents occurred in urban areas, mostly on residential streets. The majority of accidents resulted from errors by the cyclists. The most common type was the right-angle accident, but the leading types varied with cyclist's age. Several factors were related to age and accident severity. The accidents were summarized …

Transverse, Pavement Markings For Speed Control And Accident Reduction, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Transverse pavement markings were placed ahead of a sharp curve having a high-accident history. Speed and accident studies were conducted before and after. The markings were placed so that drivers otherwise failing to reduce speeds while approaching the curve would see transverse lines on the pavement at an increasing rate. The spacing of lines was intended to create an illusion of acceleration which would cause the driver to slow. The results indicated that pavement markings can be an effective speed-control measure and reduce accidents. At the single site studied, the obedience of drivers to this type of hazard warning was …