Exploring the impact of design elements on wrong-way driving incidents at partial cloverleaf interchange terminals

Abstract

The complex geometric layout of partial cloverleaf (parclo) interchanges elevates the chances of drivers inadvertently choosing the incorrect ramp or direction. Previous research on wrong-way driving (WWD) has emphasized the frequent incidents at the off-ramp terminals of parclo interchanges. Many WWD incidents that did not result in a collision haven't received enough attention from researchers. Geometric features such as ramp design, signage placement, and interchange layout significantly influence driver behavior and decision-making. In this study, a comparative analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between geometric design elements and their impact on WWD incidents at parclo interchange terminals. Over 5000 h of video footage were meticulously reviewed to document instances of WWD at 75 parclo interchange terminals across 13 states. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to explore the characteristics of the locations with recurring WWD incidents. The results revealed numerous associations among design elements that contributed to the increased risk of WWD incidents, including uncontrolled ramp terminal intersections without street lighting on a two-lane crossroad, poor pavement marking on a wide median between the on- and off-ramps, and so on. The outcomes of this study can be helpful in identifying and improving the critical geometric design criteria in parclo interchanges to minimize WWD incidents.