This paper suggests a hotspot identification method based on crash severity using ContinuousRisk Profile (CRP) approach which is a recently introduced method for identifying highcollision concentration locations. The process of selecting hotspots is an essential step forroad safety improvement projects since it provides decision makers with reasonable evidencesfor the allocation of budgets in a cost-effective manner. Therefore roadway sections that couldmaximize the reduction of crash costs are needed to be investigated as target sites fortreatments. In this study, two types of crash severity weights are applied to each collision andthen, CRP diagrams are illustrated by the values of crash frequency, equivalent propertydamage only (EPDO) and severity weighted frequency based on the number of fatalities andinjuries. Top seven sites which include high peak locations in each CRP are selected andgrouped by the approaches, and accident costs per unit length are compared to evaluate thepotential cost reduction of the three groups. As a result, the EPDO group is expected to leadthe most cost savings if safety improvement projects are performed. Findings from the paperwill contribute to both enhancing accuracy for identifying hotspots and saving social costscaused by traffic accidents.
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