During 1994 to '96, 15300 road accidents were reported in Papua New Guinea (PNG). They resulted in 5700 deaths or serious injuries. Despite the above statistics, benefits from reduction in accidents are ignored in the distribution of funds for transport provision because no accepted methodology exists for accident prediction and evaluation. Information on 436 independent variables is being collected of which several features are specific to Papua New Guinea. Accident black spots will be identified and case studies relating to these black spots will be completed to identify primary independent variables. Some of the significant variables so far identified are influence of alcohol and drugs, approach speeds to single lane bridges, speed of vehicles as they approach isolated curves, sudden changes in pavement conditions and environmental conditions. There is limited evidence that accident rates may be correlated to recovery width, however there is little causal evidence that gradients, curvatures and junction frequencies are significantly correlated to accidents on interurban roads in Papua New Guinea.
Abstract