Traffic Safety in Construction Zones

摘要

The purpose of the study was to determine the characteristics of accidents in construction zones on rural state highways in New Mexico. Compared with the period one year before construction, the study found that the accident rate increased by 17-33% during reconstruction. Collisions involving multiple vehicles, rear-end impacts, and large trucks, occurred with higher than expected frequency. The contributing factors of 'following too closely' and 'improper lane change' are also more common in these zones. The investigator recommends that the NMSH&TD provide better descriptions of project locations and continue educational efforts for field personnel.