Detecting Risk Factors of Road Work Zone Crashes from the Information Provided in Police Crash Reports: The Case Study of Portugal

Several studies have shown that European police crash reports provide different detail degrees of work zone crash-related data. In this sense, the present study aims to verify possibility identifying significant risk factors involved in occurrence road crashes with casualties, based on official data usually available, through a descriptive, binary logistic, and probit regression statistical analysis. To accomplish analysis, total 2597 police-reports related 1767 Portuguese occurred during 2013–2015 period were considered logistic models estimated by main type crash, contributing factor, driver age group. Fifteen explanatory variables, selected literature review provided reports, The results obtained for coefficients goodness-of-fit test values found very similar both link functions (logit probit) it was possible identify factors. modeling pointed excessive speed, disregard vertical signs, luminosity, intersections, motorcycle heavy vehicle involvement as most Given results, is conclude can be used analysis available get some insight into crashes. Data also revealed need promote adequate complete report filling officers. While are not revised standardized incorporate more detailed information, approach support efficient operation decision making aspects layout design.