A study on crashes related to visibility obstruction due to fog and smoke

作者：Abdel Aty, Mohamed^*; Ekram, Al Ahad; Huang, Helai; Choi, Keechoo

来源：Accident Analysis and Prevention, 2011, 43(5): 1730-1737.

DOI：10.1016/j.aap.2011.04.003

• Fog and smoke
• Visibility
• Crash risk
• Injury severity

Research on weather effects has focused on snow- or rain-related crashes. However, there is a lack of understanding of crashes that occur during fog or smoke (FS). This study presents a comprehensive examination of FS-related crashes using crash data from Florida between 2003 and 2007. A two-stage research strategy was implemented (1) to examine FS-related crash characteristics with respect to temporal distribution, influential factors and crash types and (2) to estimate the effects of various factors on injury severity given that a FS-related crash has occurred. The morning hours from December to February are the prevalent times for FS-related crashes. Compared to crashes under clear-visibility conditions. FS-related crashes tend to result in more severe injuries and involve more vehicles. Head-on and rear-end crashes are the two most common crash types in terms of crash risk and severity. These crashes were more prevalent on high-speed roads, undivided roads, roads with no sidewalks and two-lane rural roads. Moreover, FS-related crashes were more likely to occur at night without street lighting, leading to more severe injuries.

• 出版日期2011-9
• 单位中南大学