Crash course: Dangers due to roads

We’ve discussed how vehicle crashes are linked to a number of factors such as driver distraction, driver age, and crash avoidance technologies, but a new study has now examined how crashes relate to the physical condition of roadways. The study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) found that roadway conditions affect the cost and severity of crashes more than when alcohol or speeding were involved, or the cost of not using seat belts.

Road conditions are a factor in 52 percent of the nearly 42,000 deaths and in 38 percent of non-fatal injuries in the U.S. In monetary terms, this translates to more than $217 billion a year, which is much more than the $59 billion the government is putting into roadway improvements. In addition, crashes due to poor road conditions cost American businesses $22 billion in insurance expenses, worker compensation claims, sick leave, and Social Security. Plus, these crashes cost government (taxpayers) at all levels an estimated $12.3 billion.

The study also ranked the states by road-related crash costs. Topping the list at over $116,000 per million vehicle miles of travel is Alabama, followed by South Carolina and Louisiana. The state with the highest cost per mile of roadway is Hawaii at over $330,000, followed by California and the District of Columbia.

The study’s authors had some suggestions to help make the roadways safer for users: Structural changes include adding or widening shoulders, improving roadway alignment, and replacing or widening narrow bridges. More immediate solutions include installing better signs, brighter pavement markings, rumble strips, and guardrails when necessary.

—Liza Barth

Comments

[david]

I think it would be a great idea if we have roads here similar to the German roads. I would be willing to pay more either in tolls or higher gasoline taxes.