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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

Best Practices > Publications > Publication Titles

Title:

Analysis of the Magnitude and Predictability of Median Crossover Crashes Utilizing Logistic Regression

Abstract:

A median crossover crash (MCC) is defined as an accident in which a vehicle traverses the median area and penetrates the opposing travel lane. The objective of this research was to determine the magnitude, severity, and predictability of MCCs in Wisconsin state. A total of 15,194 crash reports from Wisconsin's median divided freeways and expressways were analyzed for the period of 2001-2003. The results of this analysis identified 631 reported MCCs over this three-year period. The magnitude of MCCs indicated that this crash type is a considerable issue in Wisconsin and required additional investigation to determine the causes of these crashes and to develop appropriate countermeasures. Analysis showed that driver age and time of year affected crash severity on high volume roadways. Road condition was found to affect severity when traffic volume was low. Moreover, weather condition and emergency response time were found to be significant if median width is inadequate.

Source(s):

85th Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, University of Wisconsin-Madison. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.

Date: 2006

Author:

Lu, Noyce, McKendry

Keywords:


Safety
Pavement condition
Adverse weather

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