Study Details

Study Title: Horizontal Curve Accident Modification Factor with Consideration of Driveway Density on Rural, Four-Lane Highways in Texas

Authors: Fitzpatrick et al.

Publication Date:JAN, 2009

Abstract: Agencies are seeking a better understanding of those roadway or roadside features that affect safety. The objectives of this study were to develop a horizontal curve accident modification factor (AMF) for rural, four-lane divided and undivided highways and to determine if the effect of driveway density is different for horizontal curves as compared to tangent sections. Data available for use in the evaluation included 121 centerline miles of rural, four-lane highways. Negative binomial regression models were used to determine the effects of independent variables on crashes. Variables considered in developing the base models included driveway density, lane width, outside shoulder width, median width (which included inside shoulder width), median type, degree of curve, segment length, and average daily traffic. Five years (1997-2001) of driveway and segment crashes were examined. An AMF for horizontal curves was estimated and it supports a theoretical model developed in another study. Reviewing the findings with respect to driveway density revealed that the effect of driveway density is different for horizontal curves and tangents; however, the differences were relatively minor. Therefore, the driveway density AMF determined using both the horizontal curve and tangent sections is recommended.

Study Citation: Fitzpatrick, K., D. Lord, D., and B.J. Park. "Horizontal Curve Accident Modification Factor with Consideration of Driveway Density on Rural, Four-Lane Highways in Texas." TRB 88th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM. Washington, D.C., (2009).


CMFs Associated With This Study

Category: Access management

Countermeasure: Change in driveway density from X to Y driveways per mile

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
CMF EquationCRF Equation3 StarsAllK,A,B,CPrincipal Arterial OtherRural

Category:Alignment

Countermeasure: Increase in horizontal curvature from X to Y degrees

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
CMF EquationCRF Equation4 StarsAllK,A,B,CPrincipal Arterial OtherRural

Countermeasure: Increase in horizontal curvature from X to Y degrees (curves)

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
CMF EquationCRF Equation3 StarsAllK,A,B,CPrincipal Arterial OtherRural

Countermeasure: Increase in horizontal curve radius from X to Y feet (curves)

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
CMF EquationCRF Equation3 StarsAllK,A,B,CPrincipal Arterial OtherRural