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A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact
Published on: September 21, 2017
Unintentional motor vehicle-train collisions--Oklahoma, 1995-2003.
Sara Russell Rodriguez1, Sue Mallonee, Barbara Neas
1Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, USA.
The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
|September 16, 2009
Summary
Oklahoma has motor vehicle (MV)-train collision rates twice the national average. Improving intersection safety with active warnings, like gates, can significantly reduce these collisions.
Area of Science:
- Traffic safety research
- Public health
- Transportation engineering
Background:
- Oklahoma's motor vehicle (MV)-train collision injury rate is over double the U.S. average.
- Understanding collision factors is crucial for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe unintentional MV-train collisions in Oklahoma from 1995-2003.
- To identify high-risk intersection types and driver demographics.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from the Federal Railroad Administration and Oklahoma medical examiner reports.
- Intersections categorized by warning type: active gates, active flashing lights, passive signage.
- Collision rates calculated per vehicle and train exposure.
Main Results:
- Passive signage intersections had significantly higher collision rates (5.15) compared to active lights (0.63) and gates (0.14).
- 83% of drivers at gated intersections ignored warnings; 25% of drivers were under 25, and 74% were male.
- 22% of tested fatalities involved legally intoxicated drivers.
Conclusions:
- Upgrading intersections to include active warnings, particularly gates, is recommended.
- Structural improvements at intersections can decrease MV-train collisions in Oklahoma and nationwide.
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