Citation

Bletzacker RW, Brittenham TG. Highw. Res. Board bull. 1959; 208: 35-44.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1959, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Subsequent to a study concerning causation factors in one- car accidents an approach has been developed which proposes a general mathematical expression of the interrelationship of the three major factors involved in every accident, namely, the driver, the highway and the vehicle. The methodology of data collection developed and utilized in the previous study is suggested as a means of amassing sufficient data to permit the correlations necessary to evaluate the constants and express the variables in the proposed equation. If experimental data verify the proposed concept, a means of predicting accident probability would be at hand. Testing methods and devices could then be developed to predict accident probability for individual drivers. The mathematical expression would also be valuable for estimating the potential effect of highway improvements on accident probability. A method of classifying driver characteristics, which are factors of accident causation, to enable an intelligent estimate of the cost and effect of correction programs is proposed. The ultimate objective of any comprehensive research in highway safety should be directed toward developing the requisite knowledge to accomplish the maximum effect with the funds available for any recommended corrective program. The potential of a study based on the concept and methodology proposed here justifies the recommendation that such a project should be inaugurated and pursued to the ultimate end.