A Simplified Procedure for Identification of Critical Crash Intersections in Small Urbanized Areas

Accurate identification of high crash intersection locations is a major prerequisite for ensuring a safer environment for all road users. A Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study identified that intersection crashes account for more than 45 percent of all reported crashes and 21 percent of fatalities. Moreover, twenty three percent of total fatal injuries to pedestrians occur in collisions with motor vehicles at intersections. Given the very small percentage of surface mileage that intersections represent in the approximately 4 million miles of roads and streets in the United States, it is clear that the inherent design and operational function of intersections present very high opportunities for vehicle conflicts leading to crashes. FHWA has identified intersection safety as one of four high-risk areas. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) added improving the Design and Operation of Highway Intersections as a key emphasis area in its Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This paper describes a set of criteria for proper identification and prioritization of critical crash intersections in small urbanized areas. A simplified set of critical crash intersection identification methods with due consideration for crash frequency, crash rate, and crash severity are highlighted in this paper.