Influence of deficiencies in traffic control devices in crashes on two-lane rural roads

[EN] One of the main objectives of all public administrations is reducing traffic crashes. To this end, Road Safety Inspections (RSI) stand out as a key measure. Signaling roads is one of the foremost tasks of RSI. A road that is improperly or poorly signaled can lead to incorrect placement or maneuvers of vehicles and ambiguous situations that can increase the risk of crashes. This paper analyses the relationship between road crashes in two-lane rural highways and certain deficiencies in signaling. The results show that deficiencies such as "incomplete removal of road works markings" or "no guide sign or in incorrect position" are the ones' associated with a higher probability of crashes in two-lane rural highways. In view of these results, governmental agencies should verify that the original conditions of a highway are re-established after any construction work is completed. They should also continuously follow up on the signaling of this type of highway in order to maintain optimal conditions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The authors would like to acknowledge FEDER funding by the European Union for financial support via project "Analisis de la relacion entre Elementos Susceptibles de Mejora, Accidentes y TCA" of the "Programa Operativo FEDER de Andalucia 2007-2013". We also thank the Public Works Agency and Regional Ministry of Public Works and Housing of the Regional Government of Andalusia. The authors are grateful to the Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) for providing the data necessary for this research. Griselda Lopez wishes to express her acknowledgement to the regional ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science of the regional government of Andalusia (Spain) for a scholarship to train teachers and researchers in Deficit Areas.López-Maldonado, G.; De Oña, J.; Garach, L.; Baena-Ruiz, L. (2016). Influence of deficiencies in traffic control devices in crashes on two-lane rural roads. Accident Analysis & Prevention. 96:130-139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2016.08.0081301399