Contributing Factors to Run-off-road Crashes and Near-crashes

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811079.pdf (2.28 MB)
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Date

2009-01

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to identify factors associated with run-off-road (ROR) crashes. Events from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study that constituted ROR crash or near-crash events were investigated to identify conditions in which the events occurred and contributing factors. ROR events occur more frequently per mile in low-visibility (including darkness) and low-friction conditions than in clear and dry conditions. Approximately half of the events (56%) occurred on straight roadways, with the remainder occurring in curves (30%) and intersection turns (14%). The most frequently identified contributing factor among the ROR events was distraction. Changes in roadway boundaries (e.g., discontinuities) also appear to be a common factor. Short following distances appear to be more commonly a factor than lead-vehicle braking. Other factors include fatigue/impairment, low friction, vehicle encroaching on the subject vehicle, low-speed maneuvering errors, and late route selection.

Description

Keywords

100-car, Naturalistic, Road departure, Run-off-road, Distraction, Steering, Drivers

Citation

McLaughlin, S. B., Hankey, J. M., Klauer, S. G., & Dingus, T. A. (2009). Contributing factors to run-off-road crashes and near-crashes. (FHWA-JPO-12-045). Washington, DC: United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Retrieved from http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/NRD/Multimedia/PDFs/Crash%20Avoidance/2009/811079.pdf.