RURAL ACCIDENT RATE VARIATIONS WITH TRAFFIC VOLUME

The nature of the relationship between hourly traffic volumes and hourly accident rates on rural highways in New Mexico was examined. The data base consisted of traffic volumes at 44 permanent count stations and 3 years' accident experience on 10-mi roadway sections surrounding these stations. The highest accident rates occurred during hours with the lowest traffic volumes. Over the range of conditions examined, accident rates decreased with increasing traffic volumes and with increasing volume/capacity ratios. However, because of the moderate traffic volumes on these roadways, it was not possible to determine the effect on the accident rate as hourly traffic volumes approach capacity. In rural states such as New Mexico, further study of this issue should focus on higher-volume locations found in urban areas.