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Head-on collisions, are among the deadliest types of roadway crashes, contributing to approximately 14% of traffic fatalities annually. Between 2016 and 2018, roadway departures (RwD), or a collision that occurs after a vehicle crosses an edge line, led to 57,475 highway deaths in the United States, with head-on collisions being the most harmful event in 15,744 of these fatalities. At CED Technologies, our engineers can accurately analyze collisions to determine the cause of the accident and suggest improved road safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents.
Factors of Head-On Collisions
Our engineers consider several factors when analyzing a fatality in a head-on collision. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDT) has identified several characteristics of head-on fatalities. Our engineers examine the presence of multiple factors and analyze how the confluence of these factors created the accident.
Undivided Road
Approximately 85% of all head-on collision fatalities occur on a road with an undivided barrier. These roads are usually prevalent in more rural areas, with relatively low traffic volume. Generally, these roads have limited areas for legal passing.
Posted Speed is greater than 50 MPH
The second largest contributor to fatalities in a head-on collision occurs when the speed limit is greater than 50 mph. Vehicles moving at higher speeds give drivers less time to react to road hazards. Furthermore, the force of impact in a collision increases exponentially, increasing the risk of injuries or fatalities.
Rural Areas
65% of all head-on collisions occur in rural areas. These areas may have limited roadway maintenance. These roads may be poorly lit, relying on the driver to use their high-beam headlights, which can increase the risk of head-on collisions.
Curves
About 31% of all head-on collisions occur on curved roads. Low visibility and sight distance limitations can cause head-on collisions in these roadway sections.
Wet & Icy Roads
Weather that produces wet and icy road surfaces can increase the risk of head-on accidents and account for 22% of head-on collisions annually.
Preventive Measures
In some cases, our engineers have indicated safety measures
that have lessened the severity of the incident and saved a driver or
passenger's life in an accident.
Center Line Rumble Strips
Rumble strips are a series of milled or raised elements intended to alert drivers, through vibration and sound, that their vehicles are crossing the center line.
Center Line Buffer Areas & Median Width Expansion
If road maintenance crews increase the separation between opposing lanes by just 2 feet, head-on crashes will be reduced by 25%, with even more significant reductions for wider buffers. An increase in the median width by 20–80 feet can reduce cross-median crashes by up to 69%.
Shoulder Widening
Shoulders over 5 feet in width can reduce head-on, run-off-road, and sideswipe crashes by 79%.
Median Barriers
Median barriers on divided highways can prevent up to 96% of fatal cross-median crashes.
CED’s Role in Crash Analysis
Our engineers at CED Technologies are crucial in investigating crashes and analyzing several factors to determine their causes. In a crash analysis, CED's Transportation Group considers several factors when reconstructing accidents and examining roadway conditions, vehicle mechanics, and driver behavior. Our experts provide insights that inform legal cases, insurance claims, and policy recommendations. Contact Us today for expert support in your head-on collision cases.
