Understanding the causation of single-vehicle crashes: a methodology for in-depth on-scene multidisciplinary case studies
Journal article, 2007
Knowledge of the interaction between and consequences of causation factors is essential when designing active safety measures. There is frequently a lack of adequate details in the area of causation, especially pertaining to Single-Vehicle Crashes (SVCs). This study describes the in-depth and on-scene investigations of 38 SVCs that took place in Gothenburg, Sweden. The causation factors involved were analysed using the Driving Reliability and Error Analysis Method (DREAM). The 38 SVCs were grouped into four scenarios. In the first scenario, vehicles drifted out of lane due to driver fatigue, sleepiness or distraction. In the second, an undetectable reduction in road friction caused experienced drivers to lose control in curves. Loss of control in curves was also a factor in scenario three, partly due to high speed. In this scenario, drivers overestimated their driving skills or had limited experience of the vehicle or the curve. In the final scenario, alarmed drivers lost control as a result of excessive steering-wheel manoeuvres. This study demonstrates a methodology that can be used to explain how a combination of factors may increase the risk of SVCs.
driver distraction
single-vehicle crashes
Sweden
accident investigations
young drivers
driving reliability
loss of control.
driver fatigue
precrash
sleepiness
risk perception
causation
error analysis
rollover
driver error
slipperiness
curves
vehicle safety
bends
safety margins
road friction
Author
Jesper Sandin
Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Vehicle Safety
Mikael Ljung Aust
Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Vehicle Safety
International Journal of Vehicle Safety
1479-3105 (ISSN) 1479-3113 (eISSN)
Vol. 2 3 316-333Subject Categories
Mechanical Engineering
Psychology (excluding Applied Psychology)
Applied Psychology