Citation

Thanesuen S, Kagaya S, Uchida Ke, Hagiwara T. J. Transp. Res. Forum 2007; 46(1): 111-127.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Transportation Research Forum)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Winter weather lasts about five months in Hokkaido, Japan, and there is a significantly higher number of motor vehicle accidents during these months. This study seeks to determine the optimal winter speed limit in Hokkaido through the application of a cost analysis and by analysis of effects of road and traffic conditions. Initially, a cost analysis of travel time costs, vehicle operating costs, pollution costs, and accident costs was applied to determine optimal average speed on the basis of minimum total cost. Then, the effects of road and traffic conditions were calculated by regression analysis. Finally, the optimal winter speed limits were achieved. These optimal speed limits would be applicable for both cars and trucks. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigate the results when costs were increased. The analysis suggests that the model is reliable and that the optimal speed limits are sustainable over the long term. A survey of road users found that users believed that the proposed optimal speed limits were appropriate in most cases.

Language: en