Investigation of Toowoomba intersection crashes

Abstract

Today’s society puts a large emphasis on reducing road crash rates because of the high financial and social costs which are largely preventable. The main project aim is to identify suitable engineering treatments that can be applied to problem intersections of Toowoomba City by use of a classification method. Most of Toowoomba is based on the grid street pattern, with a somewhat fragmented road hierarchy. High connectivity is provided, but this can cause a mixing of different traffic purposes and variability. This project takes an approach of developing and applying a derived intersection classification system which allows the charting and analysis of intersection crash data by intersection class. Such analysis relies heavily on the integrity of the data received and the assumptions applied. Many crash data discrepancies were found and outcomes were influenced by the intersection classification system adopted and subsequent intersection groupings used. Due to the high variability of intersections and traffic behaviour, the application of intersection remedial treatments is still best left to a case by case basis. However there maybe some scope for grouping of intersections. Further development will require more refinement of the classification system and analysis of a bigger crash data set.