Optimal Shoulder for Reducing Speed-Related and Lane Departure Crashes (NDOT 283-24-803)

Speed-related and lane departure crashes significantly contribute to highway fatalities in both Nevada and the United States. Between 2016 and 2020 in Nevada, there were 496 fatalities due to speeding and 583 due to lane departure, ranking as the second and fourth leading causes of traffic fatalities in the state, respectively. Recent trends indicate an increase in lane departure crashes. To effectively address such crash-prone highway segments in Nevada, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive study on the causes of speed-related and lane departure crashes and identify optimal countermeasures for strategic intervention. Deploying enhanced shoulders has been identified as a proven approach to reducing both the number and severity of speed-related and roadway departure crashes. However, to achieve effective implementation of this strategy in Nevada, it is essential to address three important issues: (1) intellectual questions regarding the contributing factors to the recent increase in crash occurrences in Nevada, especially at locations where roadway conditions appear to be less hazardous; (2) crash countermeasures pertaining to road shoulders encompass a diverse array of options, including widening paved or stable shoulders, improving the traversability and recoverability of shoulder slopes, and other countermeasures; (3) one of transportation agencies’ major tasks is to select optimal road shoulder designs that effectively mitigate crash risks and minimize economic costs and environmental impacts, policy recommendations must be based on inclusive evaluations concerning Nevada's specific scenarios. The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate and determine the most suitable shoulder slope configuration for mitigating speed-related and lane departure crashes on highways. To achieve this goal, research aims to: (1) define optimal slope geometry, (2); analyze driver response to slope; (3) assess safety performance; (4) conduct economic evaluation; (5) consider environmental impact; (6) provide policy recommendations, and a comprehensive final report.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Funding: $375,279.00
    • Contract Numbers:

      283-24-803

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Nevada Department of Transportation

      1263 South Stewart Street
      Carson City, NV  United States  89712

      Federal Highway Administration

      1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
      Washington, DC  United States  20590
    • Managing Organizations:

      Nevada DOT Research

      1263 South Stewart St
      Carson City, Nevada  United States  89712
    • Project Managers:

      Wood, Timber

      Ison, Mitch

    • Performing Organizations:

      University of Nevada, Reno

      1664 N. Virginia Street
      Reno, Nevada  United States  89557
    • Principal Investigators:

      Park, Seri

    • Start Date: 20240726
    • Expected Completion Date: 20271031
    • Actual Completion Date: 0

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01944808
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Nevada Department of Transportation
    • Contract Numbers: 283-24-803
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Feb 3 2025 11:33AM