Citation

Stoke CB. Transp. Res. Rec. 1974; 502: 41-57.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1974, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In Virginia 100,000 sets of experimental reflectorized and 100,000 sets of control nonreflective 1971 license plates were randomly distributed. Each distribution point in the state received and sold a pro rata number of each type. Plates were distributed evenly throughout each day of the distribution period. Accident data for the vehicles using experimental and control plates were collected for a 12-month period. These data were specifically coded and stored for retrieval by the state police. The reporting format distinguished between the striking vehicle and the vehicle struck. Reflectorized and control comparisons involved statewide data concerning night and daytime accidents. The age of the driver, his or her driving experience, the age of the vehicle, and the weather conditions at the time of the crash were analyzed; accident data were also analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of night rear-end collisions and crashes of vehicles equipped with reflectorized license plates and those with control nonreflective license plates.