This paper defines the problem of crossing path crashes in the United States (U.S.) and provides data that support the development of effective countermeasures for intelligent vehicle applications. Crossing path crashes involve the type of traffic conflict where one moving vehicle cuts across the path of another, initially approaching from either lateral or opposite directions, in such a way that they collide at or near a junction. This paper describes the frequency, location, and dynamic scenarios of these crashes using the General Estimates System crash database. About 1,720,000 crossing path crashes were reported in the U.S. in 1998. Of these crashes, 78% and 21% occurred respectively at intersections and driveways. Moreover, five dynamically distinct pre-crash scenarios represented 89% of these crashes. This paper delineates the frequency, fatality rate, and contributing factors for each pre-crash scenario at intersections and driveways under different traffic control devices. Signalized intersections experienced more crossing path crashes than stop sign controlled or uncontrolled intersections. On the other hand, the highest fatality rate was observed at uncontrolled intersections. Failure to yield the right-of-way and running a traffic signal or stop sign were the most common violations charged to drivers who were involved in crossing path crashes. This paper also presents statistics on other crash contributing factors, namely vision obstruction and distraction. Finally, the results of this crash analysis suggest opportunities for intervention by three intelligent vehicle countermeasure concepts that warn the driver of stop sign violation, red light violation, or insufficient crossing gap. For the covering abstract see ITRD E209471. For the original Volpe-report on this subject with the same title, see http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-12/DOTHS809423.pdf
Samenvatting