Citation

Zineddin A, Castle J. Proc. Road Saf. Four Continents Conf. 2010; 15: 1177-1188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Conference Sponsor)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Establishing speed limits that achieve public support is a prerequisite to developing any effective speed management program. Speed limits are selected to balance travel efficiency versus safety. A total of 60 sites were selected throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi where operating speed data were collected for 48 hours. The objective of the study is to provide rational posted speed limits in the Emirate, based on engineering studies and by using a computer program developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) called USLIMITS2. USLIMITS2 is a web-based expert advisor system designed to assist practitioners in determining appropriate speed limits in speed zones. USLIMITS2 calculates the appropriate speed limit for a section of road through the consideration of the following information input including but not limited to: the operating speeds (85th percentile speed and median speed), the number of interchanges, the number of driveways, crash statistics, and presence/absence of adverse alignment, current statutory limit, average daily traffic, and roadside hazards. The findings from the 60 sites are summarized in a table where most of the posted speed limits were found to be appropriate, and new posted speed limits were recommended for 7 locations.