The Analysis of Spatial Patterns and Significant Factors Associated with Young-Driver-Involved Crashes in Florida

Abstract

Over the last three decades, traffic crashes have been one of the leading causes of fatalities and economic losses in the U.S.; compared with other age groups, this is especially concerning for the youth population (those aged between 16 and 24), mostly due to their inexperience, greater inattentiveness, and riskier behavior while driving. This research intends to investigate this issue around selected Florida university campuses. We employed three methods: (1) a comparative assessment for three selected counties using both planar Euclidean Distance and Roadway Network Distance-based Kernel Density Estimation methods to determine high-risk crash locations, (2) a crash density ratio difference approach to compare the maxima-normalized crash densities for the youth population and those victims that are 25 and up, and (3) a logistic regression approach to identify the statistically significant factors contributing to young-driver-involved crashes. The developed GIS maps illustrate the difference in spatial patterns of young-driver crash densities compared to those for other age groups. The statistical findings also reveal that intersections around university areas appear to be significantly problematic for youth populations, regardless of the differences in the general perspective of the characteristics of the selected counties. Moreover, the speed limit countermeasures around universities could not effectively prevent young-driver crash occurrences. Hence, the results of this study can provide valuable insights to transportation agencies in terms of pinpointing the high-risk locations around universities, assessing the effectiveness of existing safety countermeasures, and developing more reliable plans with a focus on the youth population.

Investigating Spatial Correlations Between Land Use and Pedestrian Injury Severity in Crashes Occurring Away From Intersections in Northwest Florida

“…This finding is critical and logical since campus areas are generally where the drivers pay the most attention to the pedestrians and most university campuses are designed to provide walking options but not necessarily for driving purposes ( 44 ). According to the aforementioned conclusion, which has also been confirmed by previous research, the implementation of more rigorous speed limit enforcement within and around university campuses could be considered to reduce the likelihood of severe injury pedestrian-involved crashes ( 45 – 48 ). On the other hand, nightclubs and other establishments where alcohol is consumed could occasionally pose a hazard to pedestrians as well as motorists, potentially leading to more severe crashes caused by impaired road users ( 49 ).…”

Indonesian version of the motorcycle rider behaviour questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation and validation

“…Previous research efforts have focused only on specific driving behaviors, such as wearing a helmet [31], [32]. Using a phone while driving [33]- [36], drowsy driving [37]- [39] and a driver's license [20], [40]. Therefore, this research is motivated by the urgent need for a more comprehensive understanding of driving behavior using MRBQ and addressing motorcycle safety issues in the Indonesian context.…”

Determining Variables That Influence the Operation and Safety of Median Openings in Close Proximity to Signalized Intersections

“…In general, there is extensive literature on the safety and operation of various roadway components using various methods (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). In addition, median openings (12)(13)(14) have been analyzed comprehensively (6)(7)(8).…”