ORCID

0009-0009-9532-8650

Keywords

non-limited access; arterials; arterial corridor; wrong way driving crashes; hotspot corridors; corridor methodology

Abstract

Wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes represent a critical safety issue, as they are head-on crashes resulting from a vehicle traveling against the designated direction of traffic flow on a controlled-access roadway or access ramp. Most WWD research focused on limited-access facilities, with limited attention to arterials. Existing WWD studies do not consider interactions between roadway segments and intersections or uncertainty in WWD entry points. This dissertation develops a corridor methodology to analyze arterial wrong-way crashes (AWWCs) using crash data from crash reports, non-crash WWD events (computer-aided dispatch and citation data) from the Florida Highway Patrol, and corridor and side street features from Google Maps. Three corridor definitions were developed in South Florida using geographic information system shapefiles to identify homogeneous arterial corridors. Definition 1 used area type (urban/rural) and speed, definition 2 used area type and traffic volume, and definition 3 used area type and lane count. These definitions were evaluated using regression and machine learning models to identify the most suitable definition, with definition 3 selected based on statistical and engineering judgment. Additional granular and crash data were collected for selected definition 3 corridors, and regression and logistic models were developed to identify factors affecting AWWC frequency, severity, and time of day. Results showed that urban, one-way corridors, higher speeds and traffic volumes, higher WWD non-crash events, lower vegetation medians, and reduced lighting continuity increased AWWCs. Higher severity was associated with lower left-turn lane densities, dry conditions, weekdays, two-way corridors, and impaired driving. Nighttime AWWCs were associated with impaired driving, weekends, clear weather, higher vegetation and raised medians, and limited corridor lighting. The methodology was then applied to Central Florida to assess its robustness and transferability. High-risk corridors (hotspots) were identified by combining observed and predicted AWWC values, showing that hotspots exhibit features associated with increased AWWCs.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Al-Deek, Haitham

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

UCF Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Identifier

DP0053188

Release Date

5-15-2028

Download

Available for download on Monday, May 15, 2028

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.