Citation

Noble CM, Marsh B, Lauer A. Highw. Res. Board Proc. 1937; 1937.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1937, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Possibilities of research are outlined to establish definitely the basic causes of motor accidents and the relation of highway design to accidents. If those basic underlying causes can be known which originate in some subtle defect in highway design and the psychology of the driver, engineers can surely devise effective means to reduce such accidents as are chargeable to the highway itself, and at the same time correct and prevent many errors of the motorist. Before highway designers can design for basic safety, enough of driver psychology must become known to enable the designer to arrange conditions in such a manner that the driver will instinctively choose the safe act. The striking results of research, education and enforcement in the reduction of industrial accidents is cited and the analogy existing between that effort and the present motor accident situation is noted. In the field of technical design of those highway elements effecting safety of operation, the uncertainty of design of those highway elements effecting safety of operation, the uncertainty of design features is treated and suggestions made relative to the desirability of research for definitely establishing design practice. The features mentioned include the width and detailed treatment of the center safety dividing space of dual highways, the lack of knowledge on permissible safe speeds for particular designs, lack of knowledge with respect to shoulder widths, spiral curves and distance between reverse curves, and the effect of vertical curves on headlamp visibility and entrance and exit facilities. The effect of the time element on design of modern highways because of the advancing speed of motor cars is outlined, elementary examples are given illustrating that design features should be located at distances from the driver expressed in seconds of time; and necessary research is suggested to establish the data needed for designing with confidence.