Included in this manual is a compilation of sound research techniques that can be used by the engineer/analyst to carry out research related to highway accidents. Because highway engineering administrators must daily decide how best to spend limited numbers of safety dollars, they need to have results from properly conducted and clearly presented accident research for inputs in this decision-making process. This manual was prepared to meet the continuing need for upgraded research, both in the area of analysis of relationships between accidents and other variables and in the area of countermeasure evaluation. The manual is designed for use by the engineer/analyst who has some background in statistical analysis. The manual contains material related to (1) the rationale and the need for improving the level of existing research, (2) the underlying issues that researchers must be familiar with, (3) the components and methodologies used in the two basic types of accident research - research aimed at evaluating countermeasures and research aimed at identifying and examining underlying relationships between accidents and other highway factors, (4) the preparation and distribution of research results, and (5) summary guidelines for the engineer/analyst to use in his research. The manual has been developed for use in classroom training, as a reference text, and/or in a self-study program. Review questions, self-study pre- and post-tests, and references to related texts and articles are included.
Abstract