Abstract

Executive Summary

  • In median-involved crashes, the odds of a police-reported injury were estimated to be 42% lower on road segments with a cable median barrier (CMB) than on road segments with a concrete median barrier, and the difference was statistically significant [odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval (0.43, 0.78)].
  • In median-involved crashes, the odds of having an injury severity score of 8 or greater were estimated to be 34% higher on road segments with a CMB than on road segments with a concrete median barrier; however, the difference was not statistically significant [odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval (0.67, 2.66).
  • In median-involved crashes, the odds of having a police-reported injury were estimated to be 48% lower on road segments with a CMB than on road segments with a no median barrier; however, the difference was not statistically significant [odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval (0.20, 1.31).
  • In median-involved crashes, the odds of having an injury severity score of 4 or greater were estimated to be 65% lower on road segments with a CMB than on road segments with a no median barrier; however, the difference was not statistically significant [odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval (0.04, 3.02).
  • Sample size (numbers of vehicles and occupants involved in median-involved crashes for each median barrier type) was smaller than anticipated, resulting in low statistical power to assess differences in injury risk for different median barrier types.
  • The findings raise the possibility that in some cases conclusions based on physician-based injury severity measures differ from conclusions based on police-reported injury severity measures
  • The question of differences in police- vs. physician-reported injury severity measures bears further investigation using approaches that address lessons learned from this pilot study.
  • This study did not address the question of which type of median barrier is most effective at preventing crashes altogether; it only assessed the risk of injury in crashes that occurred and were reported by police

Report Date

12-2018

Report Number

KTC-18-21/M3DA-18-02-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2018.21

Notes

© 2018 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

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