Evaluating the Need for Surface Treatments to Reduce Crash Frequency on Horizontal Curves
Michael P. Pratt, Srinivas R. Geedipally, Adam M. Pike, Paul J. Carlson, Amelia M. Celoza, and Dominique Lord, May, 2014
The application of high-friction surface treatments at appropriate horizontal curve locations throughout the state has the potential to improve driver performance and reduce the number of crashes experienced at horizontal curves. These treatments must be implemented judiciously due to their cost, but have the potential to improve safety at lower cost than geometric improvements like curve straightening, and with greater effectiveness than control-device treatments like installing delineators or Chevrons.
An analysis framework has been developed to assess the need for surface treatments at curves based on the concept of margin of safety analysis. Models have been developed to predict vehicle speeds throughout a curve, and calibrated using data from Texas curve sites. Safety prediction models have also been developed to quantify the relationship between skid number and curve crash frequency. This information can be applied to evaluate the safety performance of a curve of interest and estimate the potential safety benefit of installing a high-friction surface treatment.
Keywords: Highway Design, Highway Safety, Rural Highways, Highway Curves, Speed Measurement, Traffic Speed
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