A third of accidents on rural roads in Finland are single vehicle accidents where collisions have occurred with roadside objects. This paper describes a study which determined the most effective improvements that could be made. Accident statistics showing a collision with a) a guard rail; b) lighting column; c) traffic signal post; d) electricity column; e) telephone column; f) bridge support; g) rock cutting; h) portal; i) culvert; j) driveway, k) tree; or l) rock, were analysed. The risk of collision with individual structures and the resultant cost was calculated. A similar exercise was carried out for the type of verge. The costs of various improvement measures are listed and compared with accident savings. compared with accident savings. The replacement of existing columns with breakaway columns was found to be particularly cost effective.
Abstract