Safety Impacts of Right-Turn Lanes at Unsignalized Intersections and Driveways on Two-Lane Roadways: Crash Analysis

摘要: Safety benefits of right-turn lanes (RTLs) have typically been estimated on the premise that movements (RTMs) only lead to rear-end (RE) crashes, and RTLs completely eliminate such RE crashes. This is reexamined in this study. Five-year, event-specific, statewide, historical data traffic crashes reported Minnesota's two-lane trunk highways were analyzed using logistic regression models (LRMs) determine safety impacts RTMs/RTLs at uncontrolled major road approaches intersections/driveways. It was found caused by right-turning vehicles less severe (mostly property damage), interestingly, 39% those identified as type. Right-turn reduce average, 30% (not eliminate), crash injury severity, decrease associated economic costs 26%. Relative risks driveways 1.3 1.9 times higher compared with intersections, suggesting need for separate set volume warrants RTLs. Logistic developed provide relationships quantify RTL different roadway/operating conditions statewide can serve a basis safety-based warrants.