Accident Rates in Road Tunnels and Social Cost Evaluation

Abstract

This work presents the results of a study carried out to estimate accident rates and associated social-cost rates in motorway tunnels. A comparison between the results obtained in the investigated tunnels and those of the corresponding motorways containing these structures was also made. A 4-year monitoring period was considered. Severe accident rates and cost rates in tunnels were often found to be higher than those on the corresponding motorways. An exemplified benefit-cost analysis was also made. The computed benefit-cost ratios may represent a preliminary support in the choice of the priority of assigning public funds in order to improve safety.