USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER Home
                        Research


            
            In This Section
        Explore Research and Technology
                HSIS Home
                Program History
                                Background
                Participating States
                Laboratory
                PBCAT App
                                Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool
                Getting Started
                Crash Typing
                Features
                User Guide
                Support Images
                Products
                                Product Overview
                HSIS Summaries
                Research Reports
                Technical Summaries
                Journal Citations
                Safety Analysis Tools
                Other Products
                Data
                                Data Overview
                State Statistics
                Data Elements
                Guidebooks
                Resources
                Ongoing Research
                Contact
                Liaisons
                Site Map
                
                Safety Effects of Cross-Section Design on Rural Multilane Highways
FHWA-RD-97-027.pdf (229.29 KB)
      
  Publication Information
              Publication External Link:Safety Effects of Cross-Section Design on Rural Multilane Highways
                      Publication Number:FHWA-RD-97-027
              Abstract:This study examined the effects of various cross-section-related design elements on crash frequency and developed a crash prediction model for rural, multilane, non-freeway highways. According to the Poisson model that was developed, predicted crashes increase as a result of worsening roadside conditions, increasing exposure measures, increasing numbers of driveways per mile, and increasing intersections per mile. Predicted crashes decrease as a result of increasing outside shoulder widths and increasing median widths. The model also shows lower crash frequencies on multilane roads with partial access control compared to roads with no access control. This model can be used for a variety of applications, such as: (1) predicting crashes for different highway design alternatives; (2) estimating crash reductions attributed to changes in cross sections; and (3) assessing the potential safety impacts of upgrading a two-lane rural road to a multilane rural highway. A poisson regression model was used to model the relationship between expected accident frequency and various roadway and traffic variables.



The study results establish a quantitative relationship between accident frequency and various cross-section-related roadway design elements on rural, multi-lane, non-freeway highways.
              Publishing Date:August 1997
                                          Publishing Office:Office of Safety Research and Development
                  FHWA Program(s):Safety
              Research
              AMRP Program(s):Safety Data and Analysis
              FHWA Activities:Highway Safety Information System
              Subject Area:Safety and Human Factors U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us