Safety performance evaluation of left‐side off‐ramps at freeway diverge areas

The safety performance of left‐side off‐ramps was evaluated by comparing that of right‐side off‐ramps at freeway diverge areas. Crash records at a total of 11 left‐side and 63 similar right‐side diverge areas in Florida were collected. Based on the data collected, the traffic conflict study and the cross‐sectional comparison of crashes were conducted in this study. Four types of traffic conflicts were identified and counted. The average conflict rates near the ramp area were found to be approximately 10 per 1000 conflicting vehicles. Crash data were compared for the left‐side off‐ramps with right‐side off‐ramps by two exit ramp types: one‐lane exit and two‐lane exit with an optional lane, respectively. The comparisons indicate that the left‐side off‐ramp did have higher average crash counts, crash rate and percentage of severe crashes, but the difference is only statistically significant for the severe crashes at a 10% level. A crash prediction model for one‐lane exit was developed to identify the factors that contribute to the crashes that have been reported for selected freeway segments. The conclusion is consistent with cross‐sectional comparison. It is expected that this study could help engineers have a better understanding of left‐side off‐ramps at freeway diverge area and select the appropriate countermeasures and practical designs.