Utilizing Pavement Friction and Texture Data for the Reduction of Traffic Crashes and Delays

Abstract

This project presented an integral process to include skid performance of different preventive treatments and their safety benefits into the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of pavements. Extensive data sets from several ODOT database systems were processed and analyzed. An enhanced safety performance function (SPF) was developed and the friction deterioration models were established for common treatments in Oklahoma. A spreadsheet VBA tool was programmed to combine the model results for the prediction of friction variations and their expected crash frequency. The safety costs were then integrated into the tool, and a case study was provided to demonstrate the proposed LCCA procedure. The outcomes of this study could result in significant benefits to reduce traffic fatalities, serious injuries, and traffic delays.