Spatial Analysis of Lane Departure Crashes: Road Geometry, Weather, Road Surface Conditions - ND

Abstract: Spatial Analysis of Lane Departure Crashes Based on Road Geometry, Weather, and Road Surface Conditions on North Dakota Highways

Rebecca Frimpomaah, MSc.,1 Sherif Gaweesh, Ph.D.2

1 Harrington Hall, 223, Centennial Dr Stop 8115, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Mines, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115 e-mail: rebecca.frimpomaah@und.edu
2 Upson II, 243 Centennial Dr Stop 8115, Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Mines, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115; email: sherif.gaweesh@und.edu

ABSTRACT

Lane departure crashes remain the leading contributor to fatal crashes on state highways in North Dakota, posing significant safety concerns, particularly in rural areas. This study undertakes a detailed spatial analysis to explore the correlation between lane departure crashes and factors such as road geometry, weather conditions, lighting, and road surface conditions. Utilizing GPS data, historical crash records from North Dakota’s Department of Transportation, and road infrastructure information, ArcGIS is employed to visualize the spatial distribution of crashes, conduct hotspot analysis to identify high-risk areas and isolate patterns influencing crash rates and severity. Heat and thematic maps were created to represent the frequency and intensity of lane departure crashes in relation to road design features and weather conditions. The analysis also applied multivariate and negative binomial regression to statistically assess the impact of variables such as road geometry, adverse weather events, and surface conditions on crash occurrence and severity. This approach helps reveal how environmental and road design factors contribute to lane departure crashes.

The results demonstrate that specific road geometry features, including sharp curves and steep grades, in conjunction with adverse weather and poor road surface conditions, substantially elevate the risk of lane departure crashes. The findings underscore the necessity of targeted interventions, such as enhancing road design and implementing weather-responsive traffic management systems. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of driver education tailored to local environmental risks. By offering data-driven recommendations, the research supports safety improvements on North Dakota’s highways and provides a model for improving rural highway safety in other areas with similar challenges. These insights serve as a foundation for policymakers and transportation authorities to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and develop effective crash-reduction strategies.

KEYWORDS

Lane departure crashes, road geometry, road surface condition, spatial analysis, crash severity, rural roads, traffic safety