Citation

Graf NL, Boos JV, Wentsworth JA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 571: 36-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

From the limited data available, utility poles appear to constitute one of the major roadside hazards on U.S. highways. The data indicate that utility poles are one of the most frequently struck fixed objects along the roadside. Utility-pole accidents are estimated to account for more than 5 percent of the national traffic fatalities and more than 15 percent of the fixed-object traffic fatalities. Assessing and resolving the utility-pole accident problem is a formidable task. Contributing factors that make the problem difficult include sketchy accident statistics, lack of uniform standards and enforcement for locating utility poles, insufficient legal authority for states to undertake corrective action, inadequate right-of-way in many areas, and the high cost of current solutions to the problem. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the severity and complexity of the utility-pole accident problem and recommend further specific actions.