Divided Highways: History, Accidents and Applications
Divided Highways: History, Accidents and Applications
A divided highway or dual carriageway is a highway that is clearly defined and separated by a median, barrier or central reservation. These roads allow traffic that is traveling opposite directions to be separated, thus allowing a smoother flow and easier and safer passing of slower moving vehicles. Because divided highways are safer that undivided highways, the speed limits are often higher and traffic tends to move more freely.
The History of the Divided Highway
Claudius had a highway built during the 1st century that led from Rome to the Tiber's mouth at port Ostia. This is one of the first known examples of a divided highway. In the 1900's, which was centuries later, divided highways were introduced in the United States in Long Island first and then in New York City. The one in Long Island was only a semi divided highway, with just 20% being divided, while the Belt Parkway in New York used brick and concrete railings to divide the highway.
Additional divided highways were built and opened and, by the 1930's, a great many United States and European divided highways were in existence. The design was found to provide better control for traffic jams and gave motorists the ability to bypass traffic in more congested central areas. This working trend is responsible for inspiring such well known highways as Queen Elizabeth Way, Pennsylvania Turnpike and even the massive Interstate Highway System that links all of the United States' major cities.
Accidents on Divided Highways
When divided highways were first built, the majority of them did not have a crash barrier dividing them. What this meant was that drivers missing their exits or experiencing roadway delays could easily choose to make a U-turn and get on the opposite side of the highway. Countless accidents occurred as a result of this, which is why the vast majority of these types of highways now have some form of barrier present.
Dividers range from concrete barriers to metal, guard rail-type barriers. However, steel roping that is mounted on weaker posts seems to be the most effective type of barrier in the event of an accident due to the steel's ability to cut into a vehicle to slow it, while not ineffectively bouncing the vehicle off of the barrier and into traffic.
Divided Highways in the United States
The United States is home to several divided highways. In the US, these are also known as boulevards, freeways, expressways, interstates and parkways and are typically separated by a Jersey barrier or grassy median. The Interstate Highway System is primarily made up of divided highways. All of these types of highways are color striped in order to clarify the traffic flow direction. This color coding of direction began in the 1970's and has continued since that time.
The speed limits on these highways range from 60 – 75 mph on rural divided highways, while in some rare instances, the limit may be as high as 80 mph. Divided highways in urban areas generally have lower limits of speed, typically 45- 60 mph.
This article is brought to you by your local San Leandro car accident attorney. The San Juan Capistrano car Accident Attorneys at JD Law Group have settled millions of dollars worth of accident claims and can refer you to the highest rated car accident firms anywhere in the United States in order to maximize your settlement.
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided on this website or the website linked herein is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, diagnosis or treatment. In addition, viewing the content on these websites, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form does not form an attorney-client relationship with the sponsoring attorney. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case or scientific study and do not represent a promise or guaranty regarding similar outcome or causes. The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. Internet subscribers or online readers should not act upon any information contained herein without seeking professional legal and/or medical advice. This firm is licensed to practice law only in the state of California, but is affiliated with a network of licensed attorneys in other states. JD Law Group make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
A divided highway or dual carriageway is a highway that is clearly defined and separated by a median, barrier or central reservation. These roads allow traffic that is traveling opposite directions to be separated, thus allowing a smoother flow and easier and safer passing of slower moving vehicles. Because divided highways are safer that undivided highways, the speed limits are often higher and traffic tends to move more freely.
The History of the Divided Highway
Claudius had a highway built during the 1st century that led from Rome to the Tiber's mouth at port Ostia. This is one of the first known examples of a divided highway. In the 1900's, which was centuries later, divided highways were introduced in the United States in Long Island first and then in New York City. The one in Long Island was only a semi divided highway, with just 20% being divided, while the Belt Parkway in New York used brick and concrete railings to divide the highway.
Additional divided highways were built and opened and, by the 1930's, a great many United States and European divided highways were in existence. The design was found to provide better control for traffic jams and gave motorists the ability to bypass traffic in more congested central areas. This working trend is responsible for inspiring such well known highways as Queen Elizabeth Way, Pennsylvania Turnpike and even the massive Interstate Highway System that links all of the United States' major cities.
Accidents on Divided Highways
When divided highways were first built, the majority of them did not have a crash barrier dividing them. What this meant was that drivers missing their exits or experiencing roadway delays could easily choose to make a U-turn and get on the opposite side of the highway. Countless accidents occurred as a result of this, which is why the vast majority of these types of highways now have some form of barrier present.
Dividers range from concrete barriers to metal, guard rail-type barriers. However, steel roping that is mounted on weaker posts seems to be the most effective type of barrier in the event of an accident due to the steel's ability to cut into a vehicle to slow it, while not ineffectively bouncing the vehicle off of the barrier and into traffic.
Divided Highways in the United States
The United States is home to several divided highways. In the US, these are also known as boulevards, freeways, expressways, interstates and parkways and are typically separated by a Jersey barrier or grassy median. The Interstate Highway System is primarily made up of divided highways. All of these types of highways are color striped in order to clarify the traffic flow direction. This color coding of direction began in the 1970's and has continued since that time.
The speed limits on these highways range from 60 – 75 mph on rural divided highways, while in some rare instances, the limit may be as high as 80 mph. Divided highways in urban areas generally have lower limits of speed, typically 45- 60 mph.
This article is brought to you by your local San Leandro car accident attorney. The San Juan Capistrano car Accident Attorneys at JD Law Group have settled millions of dollars worth of accident claims and can refer you to the highest rated car accident firms anywhere in the United States in order to maximize your settlement.
DISCLAIMER:
The information provided on this website or the website linked herein is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice, diagnosis or treatment. In addition, viewing the content on these websites, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form does not form an attorney-client relationship with the sponsoring attorney. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case or scientific study and do not represent a promise or guaranty regarding similar outcome or causes. The information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. Internet subscribers or online readers should not act upon any information contained herein without seeking professional legal and/or medical advice. This firm is licensed to practice law only in the state of California, but is affiliated with a network of licensed attorneys in other states. JD Law Group make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, currentness, or timeliness of the content, text or graphics. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
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