This paper presents the results for five main objectives identified in a recent road travel risk research study conducted by Transport Canada. The first objective involved the development and implementation of a statistical methodological framework that combines collision and 'exposure to risk' data to measure and interpret risk performance indicators. Secondly, a 'risk analysis and evaluation system model' for evaluating, comparing, and monitoring the relative risks of collision, injury and fatality encounter associated with the various driver-passenger-vehicle-road-trip-environment-temporal travel patterns and characteristics was developed. The third objective involved the development and implementation of statistical methods and procedures for measuring levels of errors associated with the various types of road travel risk, relative risk, and relative risk odds-ratio performance indicator estimators to identify significant differences in travel risks prevailing on the roads and highways. Fourthly, using Canadian collision and 'exposure to risk' data bases, the modeling framework was applied to measure the relative risks of collision, injury and fatality encounter for selected road user groups and their travel patterns and characteristics. From these results 'high risk' road travel patterns and characteristics were identified. Finally, conclusions and recommendations regarding the uses and applications of the 'risk analysis and evaluation system model' for identifying road travel problem areas/issues and evaluating remedial measures/countermeasures for improving road safety are provided. (A)
Abstract