Oil County Traffic Safety

Abstract

The sharp increase in travel volumes, the shift in traffic mix, and the large increases in traffic crashes have transformed the travel environment in the oil region of western North Dakota. Roads once used only for local access and agricultural purposes are now being used at high volumes to serve expanding oil production. Oil companies, oil workers, commercial trucks, and industrial equipment associated with gas and oil development all use these roads to access oil drilling and production sites. This change has led to an increase in traffic volume and a larger number of overweight and oversized vehicles on the road. A survey questionnaire was sent to drivers to understand better the perceptions and behaviors of road users in this region. County-level crash data were gathered for the state of North Dakota to understand changes in driving conditions during the latest oil boom, specifically between 2004 and 2011. This study addresses two key goals related to improving traffic safety in the region: first, to examine public perceptions of traffic safety issues and priorities and, second, to address crash trends and possible intervention strategies with a focus on the interaction between large trucks and passenger vehicles. Survey results indicate that drivers perceive the region to be dangerous and that driving improvements can be made. Crash data reveal that most crash statistics are growing at exponential rates. One safety initiative, ProgressZone: Moving Forward Safely, appears to be beneficial, but further improvements must take place.