Expressways have
Options:
A higher crash rates than other roads
B low volume of traffic
C higher injury severity rates
D lots of pedestrians
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: higher injury severity rates.
Expressways generally have higher injury severity rates compared to other roads, even though they are designed for higher-speed travel and often have controlled access, reducing the frequency of crashes. The reason for the higher injury severity lies in the nature of the collisions that occur on expressways. When accidents happen at high speeds, the likelihood of serious injuries increases significantly. Expressways are designed for faster traffic flow, which means that crashes that do occur are often at much higher velocities compared to those on residential or local roads.
Additionally, expressways tend to have higher-speed limits, often exceeding 60 miles per hour (100 km/h), and vehicles moving at these speeds experience more significant forces in the event of a collision. This translates to an increased potential for severe injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, the design of expressways, which typically have limited exits and controlled entry points, can make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the scene quickly, potentially delaying medical response time.
While expressways can reduce certain types of accidents, such as those caused by intersections or pedestrians, they are not immune to high-risk collisions. In fact, accidents on expressways are more likely to involve larger, faster-moving vehicles, increasing the risk of more catastrophic outcomes. Thus, while traffic volume on expressways can vary, and pedestrian presence is generally minimal, the severity of injuries in crashes tends to be higher compared to those on smaller, local roads.