Crashes and Injuries on Rural Roads in Alaska - Toward a Better Understanding of Rural Safety Issues through Linked Data and Environmental Factors Task B: Environmental and Geometric Safety Factors of Rural Crashes

Abstract

Alaska experiences extreme weather and driving conditions compared to many other locations in the United States. For example, during summer, most traffic activity occurs in daylight, whereas in winter months, the majority of traffic activity occurs in the dark. Similarly, driving conditions change drastically across seasons. During winter, heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures provide challenges for drivers. These conditions lead to safety concerns such as noticeable changes in daylight hours, peak traffic activities in dark hours, and reduced friction values due to snow and ice. Another challenge is the sun's position above the horizon throughout the year, especially during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The sun's low elevation angle for an extended period can be a primary concern for drivers since the bright sun glare can make it difficult to see one’s surroundings. During summer, long day hours and high activity levels may cause fatigue for drivers. Also, a higher number of tourists during summer may change the traffic conditions, posing higher safety risks in some regions. This report summarizes the findings of a study analyzing crash data, and combining external data to develop better understanding safety challenges in Alaska.