The aim is to assess the influence of lighting condition and speed on road accidents in typical urban locations; and to evaluate the adequacy of illumination systems in these locations in enhancing the safety of transportation systems. National accident records for the year 1997 are analyzed. Three speed limit levels (40, 60, and 70 km/hr) and three lighting conditions (day, night, and sunset) are considered. Accident rates are compared for different accident types (injury, fatal, property damage, and overall accidents). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used as a tool for comparison. Speed limit and lighting condition effects are significant in the less severe accident types. Higher accident rates are observed at lower speed limits. Fatal accidents are seldom in urban streets. Accident risk during darkness is not more than that during daytime. Illumination systems in urban streets in Jordan are, therefore, efficient. Efforts should be directed to reduce accident rates at lower speeds. (Author/publisher).
Abstract