Warning Signage

Assessing the Adequacy and Visibility of Warning Signs EES reviewed the warning signage leading up to the curve where the accident occurred, examining whether the signs were properly placed, visible under nighttime conditions, and provided sufficient advance warning to the driver. Our analysis helped determine whether inadequate or missing signage contributed to the driver’s failure to negotiate the curve.

Roadway Design

Evaluating Superelevation, Curve Radius, and Clear Zone Protection The design of the roadway, particularly its superelevation, curve radius, and clear zone protection, was closely examined by EES. We analyzed whether the road was properly designed to accommodate vehicles traveling at the speed limit, especially on curves. Our evaluation also assessed whether the clear zone (the area free of obstacles that allows drivers to recover if they leave the roadway) was adequate in preventing vehicles from reaching hazardous areas like the Kings River.

Guardrail Design and Placement

Reviewing Guardrail Effectiveness in Preventing Run-Off-Road Accidents The design and placement of the guardrail at the curve were critical factors in this case. EES conducted a detailed review of whether the guardrail was positioned effectively to prevent vehicles from breaching the roadway’s edge and if its design met current safety standards. We also assessed whether the guardrail could have been extended or modified to provide better protection.

Guardrail End Treatment

Assessing the Safety of Guardrail End Treatments EES evaluated the guardrail’s end treatments to determine if they were designed and implemented in a way that reduced the severity of accidents involving the guardrail. Our assessment focused on whether the end treatments were up to code and if their design contributed to the vehicle breaching the guardrail.

National Park Regulations and Design Standards

Ensuring Compliance with National Park Roadway Regulations Roadways within national parks are subject to specific design and safety standards. EES reviewed the National Park Service’s regulations governing road construction, maintenance, and signage, assessing whether the roadway design and safety features adhered to these guidelines. We also evaluated whether any deviations from these standards could have contributed to the accident.

Human Factors

Understanding Driver Behavior and Decision-Making Human factors, such as the driver’s unfamiliarity with the road and difficulty navigating the curve at night, were key considerations in this case. EES analyzed how these factors may have influenced the driver’s decision-making and whether the combination of darkness, unfamiliarity, and the roadway’s design created conditions that were difficult for the driver to manage safely.

Client Benefits

Comprehensive Evaluation of Warning Signage: EES’s analysis of the visibility and placement of warning signs helped clarify whether proper signage could have prevented the accident by providing adequate notice to the driver.

Thorough Roadway Design Assessment: Our evaluation of the roadway’s superelevation, curve radius, and clear zone protection provided critical insights into whether the road was designed to accommodate safe travel under the conditions present at the time of the accident.

Detailed Guardrail Design and Placement Review: EES’s examination of the guardrail’s effectiveness in preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway strengthened the case by highlighting potential design flaws or insufficient placement.

Expert Analysis of National Park Regulations: Our review of National Park roadway design standards ensured that the road’s compliance with federal regulations was considered in the overall analysis of liability and roadway safety.

Human Factors Analysis: EES’s evaluation of the driver’s unfamiliarity with the roadway and nighttime conditions provided valuable context for understanding the role of human factors in the accident.