Task Order 6215
Transportation Safety Research


Methods for Identifying High Collision Concentration Locations for Potential Safety Improvements

Ching-Yao Chan
California PATH

Summary

In 1999, Caltrans formed a task force to review its process (Table C) for "high collision concentration location" (HCCL) identification. The Task Force C published a set of recommendations aiming to improve the current Table C process. In response to these recommendations, this project calls for work to establish a systematic methodology that increases the efficiency of the task of identifying HCCL. To explore improvements to the current Table C process, the research team will consider:

  1. developing statistical models for generating expected collision risk based on observed frequency at a given location;
  2. utilizing available information about collisions and locations (e.g., highway characteristics) to generate the predicted risk;
  3. weighting collision outcomes by severity;
  4. considering variable segment lengths for highway analysis;
  5. considering extended roadway segments ("corridors with promise"), and
  6. screening for deterioration of safety over time.
The goal of the project is to generate the algorithms and guidelines required for efficient identification of HCCL compatible with Table C methodology. Public safety is the first priority for Caltrans, and this project will develop tools for Caltrans to improve highway safety and to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by crashes.