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Abstract

Young drivers have been identified as a group at high risk for fatigue-related accidents, particularly during the nighttime hours (Pack et al.). However, there is a probable relationship between nighttime fatigue-related accidents and the number of young drivers on the road during this same time period. This paper introduces a measure of exposure, the number of drivers on the road for a given hour, and evaluates its affect on fatal accident and fatigue-related fatal accident rates. Data from the National Household Travel Survey 2001 and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System are used. Overall, fatal accident and fatal fatigue-related accident rates are low but the increased risk of young drivers, particularly during the nighttime hours is highlighted.

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Using the Estimated Number of Drivers on the Roadway as an Exposure Measure to Evaluate Accident Risk

Abstract

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