Citation

Klein FR. Collision 2011; 6(2): 88-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Highway and roadside design can be important factors in accident investigations since there are design elements pertaining to the site of an accident can help determine accident cause. This article discusses some of the provisions of two American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials publications that could be useful to accident reconstruction specialists. The Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (also known as the Green Book) is a best practices guide for the design of U.S. highways that has been adopted by many other countries. The Road Design Guide presents engineering best practices for the design of safe roadsides and the integration of safety appurtenances in highways. Together, these guidelines present state of the practice engineering methods to ensure the safest possible road and roadside environment. However, the best judgment of the engineer is always the last word in selecting the most appropriate design elements. By knowing the fundamental elements of design in these guidelines, the accident reconstructionist can analyze the site to reveal any potential design, construction or installation deficiency that might have contributed to the crash.