Single Vehicle Collisions

Introduction

In society today, there are numerous reasons or factors as to why there are single vehicle collisions on American roads. Alcohol or substance abuse, animals crossing the road, and falling asleep at the wheel are just a few examples. There is not a whole that can be done for animal collisions, as more often than not the animal jumps out at the last second. But for the single vehicle collisions that do pertain to the car going off the road, there are ways to prevent the run off or help the driver regain control before it is too late. One way that is commonly used in the United States is to place rumble strips on the sides of the road. Another way is to use safety edges. Both have their benefits and their downfalls, but overall safety
This gives approximately 10.2 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.08 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The state of Maine has a population of approximately 1.3 million people and had 131 deaths. 50 percent of Maine’s 131 motor vehicle deaths occurred in single vehicle crashes. That number is below the national percentage, which is 56 percent. That percentage is far higher than anyone would like, and it should be addressed with such importance. Rumble strips were put in place in 1952, New Jersey being the first state to implement them, and have been more successful than any prior attempt to improve roadway safety. The problem is that prior to the late 1900’s to early 2000’s, cell phones were not personal hand held devices that the overwhelming majority of people had. Talking on the phone or texting while driving has proven to be very dangerous and hazardous to the driver and his/her passengers, and also to all traffic around his/her car. A lot of states have implemented ‘anti-cell phone laws’ or hands free laws to try to prevent single car collisions or multi car crashes, but these rules have not altered a large population of Americans driving habits. The laws have changed a lot since the rumble strip was implemented, considering seatbelts were only first mandatory by law in 1970 and other factors. But even with these changes the percentage of single vehicle crashes is
The best that can be done to ensure high safety is to implement improved ways of transportation cautionary measures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Safety Edges: Safety Edges have their ups and downs, just like a lot of other safety precautionary measures. The biggest advantage there is to implementing safety edges is the cost of installment. It takes no extra effort after or before paving, as it is done during asphalt paving. Typically, it costs between $500-$2000 per mile. The biggest disadvantage is that it takes training to lay down a safety edge properly, and the cost of a piece of equipment needed specifically for it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rumble Strips: The biggest plus in having rumble strips put in place is that they are relatively inexpensive and may slow traffic speed in certain areas. Its disadvantages include the noise it creates, the fact that they can be slippery when wet, and discomfort for bikers and motorcyclists. Also, the maintenance of the raised pavement not one of the upsides of these rumble strips. Another disadvantage seen commonly with rumble strips, but not necessarily always, is the use of guardrails.