Operational Effects of Auto-Utility Trailer Combinations on Rural Highways in Kentucky

An analysis of accident records indicated that A-UT combinations are involved in a disproportionately high number of traffic mishaps. Locations which have a history of accidents involving A-UT vehicles indicated that differential crosswinds and unanticipated driving maneuvers contribute to driver loss of control. A-UT combinations contributed to the fatigue loss in pavement life approximately 50 percent as much as single-unit, two-axle, six-tire trucks (per vehicle). In general, this vehicle type constituted approximately three percent of the total traffic stream. Analysis of speed distributions indicated an equivalency factor for A-UT combinations equal to that for trucks for similar roadway types and topographical conditions

Auto-Utility Trailer Combinations on Rural Highways in Kentucky

An analysis of accident records indicated that auto-utility trailer (A-UT) combinations are involved in a disproportionately high number of traffic mishaps. Locations which have a history of accidents involving A-UT vehicles indicated that differential crosswinds and unanticipated driving maneuvers contribute to the driver\u27s loss of control. A-UT combinations contributed to the fatigue loss in pavement life approximately 50 percent as much as single-unit, two-axle, six-tire trucks (per vehicle). In general, this vehicle type constituted approximately three percent of the total traffic stream. Analysis of speed distributions indicated an equivalency factor for A-UT combinations equal to that for trucks for similar roadway types and topographical conditions

Efficiency Through Accountability: Some Lessons from Kentucky’s Improved Medicaid Transit Service

The cost of providing nonemergency transportation to Medicaid and other transportation-eligible people has escalated sharply in the United States. In response, many states have reformed their human services transportation delivery systems. In this paper, we assess the results of Kentucky’s comprehensive reform of its transit system, including the impact on the quality of transit service for Medicaid-eligible users. With three sources of data—financial and other service data, a sample of Medicaid-eligible residents, and a sample of the transit providers—we assess the effectiveness of the new system. The data show that patronage levels increased dramatically under the new process, while unit costs declined substantially. Further, despite measures taken to increase efficiency, passengers still expressed satisfaction with the service. We attribute these positive results to an improved structure of accountability. The conclusion contains implications for future reforms

Experimental Installations of Impact Attenuation Devices

The expanding system of limited access, multilane highway facilities in the United States has enhanced traffic service between many varied origins and destinations. As a result, these facilities have not only reduced travel times and travel costs, but have generated additional travel by virtue of their technological splendor. The increasing dominance of multilane highways in terms of percentage of total vehicle miles travelled has produced a revolution in highway engineering philosophy. Higher design speeds, increased lane widths, lateral separation of opposing traffic streams, absence of passing restrictions, and increased traffic capacities were attributes intuitively sought. An ironic result is the emergence of new accident styles on roadways which had as their specific purpose the reduction of accidents. Dominant among these new styles was the single vehicle ran off the road type. Recent investigations have shown that this accident mode may be the largest single contributor to fatalities on limited access, multilane facilities. Contributing to the preponderance of this accident type are some seemingly minor but potentially deadly elements of the roadway. Previous studies have been concerned with bridge piers located in the median, the location of median crossovers, and the horizontal and vertical dimensions of medians themselves. Problems have been created by rigidly fixed objects such as bridge walls or massive sign standard bases located in the gore area of bifurcating roadways and exit ramps

Richmond Public Transportation Study Report

This study looked at the possible costs and benefits associated with the creation of a small deviated fixed route bus service in Richmond. It concluded that the circumstances in Richmond favor the creation of such a system. It also concluded that only one route–operating one bus, twelve hours per day, Monday through Saturday–is needed at this time