An evaluation of intersection characteristics associated with crashes at intersections in Melbourne CBD

The contribution of crashes occurring at intersections to road trauma is well documented. Developing ways of combating this problem is difficult, partly because there are so many types of intersections, each requiring specific treatments. The present study looked at one part of this problem by examining the rates of injury-causing crashes at different types of intersections in the Melbourne Central Business District. Police-reported crash data was used to analyse crash rates for the five-year period from 1999-2003. The Melbourne CBD is a well-defined area with a unique mix of road users that allows different factors that may increase the risk of having a crash at an intersection to be studied. These factors include the number of lanes of the intersecting roads, whether tram routes pass through the intersection, whether ?hook? turns are required for right-hand turns and whether the intersection only allows right turns on green arrows. Crash rates are presented for different types of crashes. Intersection characteristics that increase crash-risk are presented along with possible countermeasures.