This study performs an in-depth analysis of a major road traffic accident on the A 16 highway near the Dutch municipality of Breda on November 6, 1992. Conclusions can be drawn from the case study in two respects: (1) a wide variety of techniques can be applied in the application of in-depth analysis, dependent on the problem definition. Consequently, a detailed reconstruction and satisfactory explanation of the accident could be achieved, and (2) the application of a systems approach revealed the importance of higher systems orders. Variables such as (i) the design of vehicles and roads, (ii) the lack of regulations, (iii) training of and (iv) information to drivers with respect to driving in fog, clarified a more general pattern in this type of accident causation which remains invisible in a statistical or juridical approach to accident analysis. The use of a systems approach, however, demonstrated predictive potential. Combining high intensity roads and a landscape where fog frequently occurs may introduce a new type of accident: the highway disaster. Without an integrated design concept, where accident causation is foreseen and dealt with, more accidents of this type are inevitable in the near future.
Abstract