The influence of high energy absorbing passive safe poles in run-off-road crash severity

Introduction: This study investigates the mitigating effect of passive safe poles on the severity of run-off-road crashes in Belgium. Method: Run-off-road (ROR) crash data were collected from 2015 to 2020 on sections of roads in Flanders, and multinomial and mixed logit models were estimated using the driver injury and the most severely injured occupant as outcome variables. Results: Our results align with previous findings reported in the literature on ROR crash severity in several distinct settings. Most importantly, findings from this study provide evidence that High Energy absorbing passive safe poles (CEN 12767 HE compliant) contribute towards minor injuries in ROR crashes. The study also indicates the importance of protecting errant vehicles from traditional poles, which are linked to severe injuries. Conclusions: Our findings offer relevant insights for road safety agencies to enhance roadside design policies and implement forgiving roadsides. Practical Applications: Our results support the current Flemish policy concerning the installation of lighting columns and the “forgiving roadside” concept to mitigate ROR crash severity on Belgian roads. Further developments in road inventory systems should provide additional and enhanced data on roadside characteristics and crashes. These data will create the basis for further research, leading to more accurate recommendations on increasing roadside safety most effectively.