Abstract

Executive Summary and Introduction

This report documents an analysis of traffic crash data in Kentucky. A primary objective of this study was to determine average crash statistics for Kentucky highways. Where used, rates were calculated for various types of highways and for counties and cities. Difference criteria were used for exposure.

Average and critical numbers, SPFs, and rates of crashes were calculated for various types of highways in rural and urban areas. These use crashes identified on highways where Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes were available. The data in this report may be used to help identify problem areas.

The other primary objective of this study was to provide data that can be used in the preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety Plan (HSP). Crash statistics were analyzed and a summary of results and recommendations in several problem identification areas is presented. These general areas include; alcohol involvement, occupant protection, speed, teenage drivers, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, and vehicle defects. Other areas included in the analysis for which specific recommendations were not made include, school bus crashes and train crashes.

The crash data are stored in the Collision Report Analysis for Safer Highways (CRASH) database. This database is updated daily so the number of crashes in a given calendar year will continue to change for a substantial time after the end of that year. KTC captures an extract annually for analysis.

Annual reports have previously been prepared since 1978 dealing with the calculation of statewide traffic crash rates for Kentucky and preparation of the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety Plan. Traffic crash data for a five-year period were used in the preparation of this report.

Kentucky has a systematic procedure to identify locations that have had abnormal rates or numbers of traffic crashes. However, before that procedure may be utilized, average crash rates and numbers must be determined for appropriate highway categories and for rural and urban areas. A primary objective of this study was to determine average traffic crash statistics for Kentucky. Those statistics may then be used in the high-crash location identification program to identify locations that should be investigated to determine whether changes should be made.

A highway safety program is prepared each year for Kentucky in order to comply with Section 402, Title 23 of the United States Code. This program includes the identification, programming, budgeting, and evaluation of safety projects with the objective of reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes. The second major objective of this report is to provide data that may be included as the problem identification portion of Kentucky’s Annual Highway Safety Plan. Results from this report are used to provide benchmark data for that process.

Report Date

10-2020

Report Number

KTC-20-32/KSP2-20-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2020.32

Notes

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 or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

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