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                Effects of a Towaway Reporting Threshold on Crash Analysis Results
FHWA-RD-98-114.pdf (143.86 KB)
      
  Publication Information
              Publication External Link:Summary Report: Effects of a Towaway Reporting Threshold on Crash Analysis Resu...
              Publication Type:Summary Report
                  Publication Number:FHWA-RD-98-114
              Abstract:The effects of converting to a towaway reporting threshold on future data analysis capabilities are quantified. The results from the four states used in the analysis (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina) revealed that only 51.7 percent of all crashes would be included using a towaway threshold. Only 33.7 percent would be included using an injury threshold. In general, a towaway threshold would exclude more crashes on urban streets than on rural roads. For most road classes, 40 to 60 percent of crashes would be excluded. With a towaway threshold, about 40 to 60 percent of angle/turning and rear-end crashes, but only 18 to 32 percent of backing/ parking and animal crashes, would be included. Run-off-road crashes would be less affected. For most vehicle types, only 30 to 60 percent of crashes would be included. Using a towaway threshold will seriously affect the comprehensiveness of crash records, and thus, the ability to identify and improve high-hazard locations. Technological, institutional, and organizational strategies for improving reporting thresholds are suggested.
              Publishing Date:August 1998
                                      Author(s):Stewart,
    
          J. Richard
              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

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