Influence of deficiencies in traffic control devices in crashes on two-lane rural roads

• The relationship between crashes and some deficiencies in signaling is analyzed.
• The analysis was carried out using rules extracted from decision trees models.
• Incomplete removal of road works markings producing the highest crash probability.
• No guide sign or in incorrect positions also give rise to high crash probability.
• The crash probability increases over 200% when some of these deficiencies appear.

One of the main objectives of all public administrations is reducing traffic crashes. To this end, Road Safety Inspections (RSI) stand out as a key measure. Signaling roads is one of the foremost tasks of RSI. A road that is improperly or poorly signaled can lead to incorrect placement or maneuvers of vehicles and ambiguous situations that can increase the risk of crashes. This paper analyses the relationship between road crashes in two-lane rural highways and certain deficiencies in signaling. The results show that deficiencies such as “incomplete removal of road works markings” or “no guide sign or in incorrect position” are the ones associated with a higher probability of crashes in two-lane rural highways. In view of these results, governmental agencies should verify that the original conditions of a highway are re-established after any construction work is completed. They should also continuously follow up on the signaling of this type of highway in order to maintain optimal conditions.