The primary objective of this paper was to compare the characteristics of casualty crashes of road users in the alpine regions during and outside the snow season in Victoria over the ten-year period, 1987-1996. Using GIS methods, crash locations were extracted from `specific access routes' on all Victorian alpine resorts, allowing for detailed analysis of the VicRoads casualty reported crash file. In addition, site inspections of the highest frequency crash route (Mt Hotham) inside and outside the snow season were undertaken. Crash frequency for the Mt Hotham route peaked in the month of July and crash severity exceeded the state average. Distinct patterns of crash types were found both in-season and out-of-season. The finding of differential crash patterns has implications for the application of potential countermeasures along the Mt Hotham route specifically, and potentially other alpine roads. The nature of terrain inherent in the alpine regions presents unique hazards to road users. Crash characteristics and potential countermeasure options are discussed. It is suggested that the use of a multifaceted approach, involving the use of GIS techniques combined with in-depth analysis of crash details and followed by site inspections, represents a powerful methodology in the analysis of road safety research. (A)
Samenvatting