Abstract
This project involved an evaluation of the codes which relate to roadway contributing factors. This included a review of relevant codes used in other states. Crashes with related codes were summarized and analyzed. A sample of crash sites was inspected to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of the data being evaluated.
The results of the study are recommendations for a coding format to enable accurate and consistent data concerning the roadway as it affected the crash as well as examples of areas of training to improve the accuracy and consistency of the data.
Recommendations relating to coding of the police crash report and related police training were made. The codes included in the analysis are for environmental contributing factors, traffic control devices, road surface condition, weather condition, and vehicular related factors. The codes for traffic control devices should be listed for each vehicle since traffic control may be different on the approaches to the crash taken by each driver.
Up to two environmental-related contributing factors can be listed. A factor should only be listed when it can be related directly to the cause of the crash. For example, a shoulder-related factor should not be listed when a driver travels off the pavement and collides with a fixed object close to the road unless the condition of the shoulder inhibited the driver’s ability to reenter the roadway. The basis for listing the factor should be described in the narrative.
Some of the environmental contributing factors deal directly with potential roadway-related issues. The investigating officer should document the basis for listing the factor and notify the appropriate government agency when they identify a potential roadway-related contributing factor. The officer should also notify the appropriate agency if a crash damages a traffic control device. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) should have a procedure to notify the appropriate highway district when a roadway-related contributing factor code is listed on a crash report and then investigate the crash to determine if any changes are warranted.
Report Date
9-2014
Report Number
KTC-14-08/OHS-14-1F
Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.2014.08
Repository Citation
Agent, Kenneth R., "Roadway Contributing Factors in Traffic Crashes" (2014). Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report. 1453.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ktc_researchreports/1453
Notes
© 2014 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center
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