Crash Severity Analysis for Low-Speed Roads Using Structural Equation Modeling Considering Shoulder- and Pavement-Distress Conditions

Abstract

Crash severity outcomes are random and are influenced by the interactions of vehicle, driver, crash, road, and environmental factors. Limited research has attempted to assess the direct and latent influence of road factors like pavement and shoulder conditions, crash and vehicle factors, along with weather and driver factors on crash severity outcomes. This work attempts to develop crash severity prediction models considering the direct and indirect influence of road factors measured with pavement distress conditions, shoulder type and condition, crash factors measured with crash type and collision partners, human and weather factors measured with crash time (for visibility and traffic con-dition), season of crash occurrence, and driver age and gender.