Traffic and traffic safety, especially in urban environments, tend to be at the forefront of most local government agencies. Statistically speaking, the numbers of accidents in an area are what drive the conclusions, decisions, and actions to be taken to better protect the population. Variables considered in traffic safety include: influence of alcohol or drugs; distracted driving from cell phone use; occupant safety, teen safety, motorcycle and pedestrian and bicycle safety; even street networks as in how the streets are designed are all being considered. This paper will examine these variables from the point of view in identifying any lurking variables that might be present. The results of this approach will show that while programs such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) prevention, Distracted Driving Prevention and better safety measures a whole do in fact play a role in road safety outcomes, there is always more to a number than what gets published.
With the growing interest in traffic safety, local governments look at a variety of variables to try and find the various causes of such accidents and ways to mitigate the risk involved of being on the road today. Most of the statistical analysis of these variables is on a numerical scale. In this terminology, Johnson and Bhattacharyya (2010) stated in their book Statistics: Principles & Methods, variables are "observations of a numerical-valued variable yield measurement data" (p. 23). It is from this data that decisions can be made to make the roadways safer for all users. However there is always more to the story.
[...] (Marshall & Garrick, 2011). This might indicate that street design may play a role in safety. With an increase in nodes per intersection, the risk of being involved in an accident at those crossing increases. Other such variables for consideration could also include speed limits, cul-de-sac nodes, intersection types and times of the day. Conclusion As with any statistical reporting, one must be leery of lurking variables and understand that they are more than likely present. In regard to traffic and traffic safety, especially in urban environments, one must be willing to explore these lurking variables to be able to fully understand where the numbers are coming from and who is reporting them. [...]
[...] Statement of the Problem With the growing interest in traffic safety, local governments look at a variety of variables to try and find the various causes of such accidents and ways to mitigate the risk involved of being on the road today. Most of the statistical analysis of these variables is on a numerical scale. In this terminology, Johnson and Bhattacharyya (2010) stated in their book Statistics: Principles & Methods, variables are “observations of a numerical-valued variable yield measurement data” (p. 23). It is from this data that decisions can be made to make the roadways safer for all users. However there is always more to the story. [...]
[...] (Document ID: 2314645171). Marshall, W., & Garrick, N . (2010). Street network types and road safety: A study of 24 California cities. Urban Design International, 133- 147. Retrieved April from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 2141956391). [...]
[...] Every year the state of California publishes a “Traffic Safety Report Card” letting the public know, overall, how safe California roadways are. The last report card published was February where it stated 2010, California's traffic fatalities decreased 11.9 percent (3,081 vs. 2,715) reaching the lowest level since the federal government began recording traffic fatalities in 1975” (Office of traffic Safety). To summarize the rest of the data within the California report card: Alcohol impaired driving fell (924 vs. 791) Drug involvement fell (339 vs. [...]
[...] The article starts out by stating “According to the California DMV, the rate of 16-year old licensed to drive unsupervised fell from 23% in 1997 to 14% by 2007” (Roan, 2011). Many states, including California restrict young drivers from certain higher-risk situation such as being on the road at night, talking on cell phones and driving with passengers until they gain more experience. “After passing a driving test, tens are issued a 12-month provisional license that prohibits them from driving between 11p.m. [...]
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