(a)

1. (1) Once at least three (3) years of crash data is obtained from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a cursory analysis of the data should follow.
2. (2) Crash rates may be calculated and then compared to statewide average rates for similar facilities, which can also be obtained from the department.
3. (3) However, in many cases, particularly in congested urban areas, the crash rates within the study area will almost always be higher than the statewide average due to more congestion and more conflicts in and around interchanges.
4. (4) Therefore, an objective analysis using crash rates alone may not be appropriate.

(b)

1. (1) Once crash rates are calculated, further investigation into the crashes is appropriate, particularly if the crash rates are higher than the statewide average.

2. (2) The following issues should be considered in this analysis:

   1. (A) Driver workload and decision making;
   2. (B) Consistency in geometric design;
   3. (C) Number of lane changes required by drivers;
   4. (D) Number of conflicts for drivers;
   5. (E) Operational consistency along a system of interchanges; and
   6. (F) Flexible design solutions that can work in a variety of traffic flow volumes and patterns.

(c)

1. (1) Currently, the location information for crashes on freeways, ramps, or frontage roads is normally not adequate to determine the lane in which the collision occurred.
2. (2) In other words, the location of a crash may be listed on a freeway as route, section, and log mile, but not list the direction of travel or lane where the collision occurred.
3. (3) Consequently, it may be appropriate to conduct an in-depth crash analysis by examining all possible crash records to determine the location and characteristics of individual crashes.
4. (4) This additional analysis can be requested from the department or the records can be requested from the department and provided to the proposing entity and should be discussed during early coordination.
5. (5) Also, coordination with emergency management personnel may be appropriate if further investigation is needed.