Citation

Sharif HO, Hossain MM, Jackson T, Bin-Shafique S. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk 2012; 3(4): 311-323.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012)

DOI

10.1080/19475705.2011.615343

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A significant number of crashes on roads are caused by adverse weather conditions. Among the most serious consequences of rainfall and flooding in regard to road safety are the motor vehicle-related flash flood fatalities. These fatalities are of particular concern in Texas. Information on motor vehicle fatalities caused by flash floods was extracted from the National Climatic Data Center Storm Data reports. Review of reports on flash flood fatalities in general, where the death circumstances are provided, reveals that most fatalities are motor vehicle-related (80%). Moreover, data from the reports indicate that from 1959 to 2009 the number of motor vehicle-related flash flood fatalities in Texas exceeds by far the total number of flood fatalities in any other state. Demographic analysis of the flash flood fatalities indicates that, in Texas, all ages are at risk and that males are much more affected than females. Spatial analysis indicates that the highest numbers of fatalities occur in counties having major urban areas. The increase in the frequency and intensity of storms and floods that is projected to result from climate changes and variability, and the rapid urbanization in the region may considerably increase the impacts of weather on road safety in Texas.

Language: en