Los Angeles I-10 Field Experiment: Incident Patterns

Abstract

The Los Angeles I-10 field experiment has produced a large, comprehensive database on incidents and freeway traffic flow characteristics. Field data on incidents were collected through observations of probe vehicle drivers over a 12.5-km (7.8-mi) freeway section. Supplementary information was collected from the California Highway Patrol computeraided dispatch (CHP/CAD) system and freeway service patrol logs. The incident patterns at the study area are described, and the major factors affecting incident frequency and duration are identified. Comparisons of the findings with other databases are discussed. The effects of incidents on traffic flow are also investigated using the empirical data to determine the proportion and characteristics of delay-causing incidents.