Characteristics of traffic accidents in Chinese freeway tunnels

The probability of an accident occurring and probability of being injured is lower in tunnels than on open stretches of highways. However, if an accident does happen in a tunnel, especially in a freeway tunnel, the severity of injuries sustained is significantly higher than on open stretches of road. Therefore, a study of traffic accidents based on police-reports from four freeway tunnels for the years 2003 and 2004 has been conducted. Temporal distribution characteristics and space distribution characteristics of traffic accidents are summarized. Based on the results of this analysis various measures aimed at raising traffic safety in tunnels are recommended.