TRAFFIC VOLUME REDUCTIONS DUE TO WINTER STORM CONDITIONS

Abstract

When hazardous driving conditions exist on roads, road users have less desire to travel. As a result of snow and icy conditions, a reduction in traffic movement occurs. The decrease in traffic movement is almost unexamined so far. During a research project conducted in 1991-1992 to study the impact of snow and ice control operations on traffic accident rates, the need for estimating the decrease in traffic movement urged such calculations. The reductions in traffic volumes generated as a result of adverse snow and icy conditions were measured, grouped, and correlated during various weather conditions in four states (Illinois, Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin). Traffic volumes reductions factors during different winter storms conditions were calculated and reported.