Análisis de la velocidad en carreteras rurales de dos carriles en entornos montañosos. Caso estudio Loja-Catamayo (Tramo 2)

Abstract

Abstract:Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, with 1.35 million deaths per year, according to the WHO. Roads in mountainous areas have geometric designs that, due to their topography, can be unsafe. Speed ​​is a key factor in the severity of accidents. This study analyzes the impact of curvature radius and gradient on the operating speeds of heavy vehicles on the Loja-Catamayo highway. A sample of 35 trips was used, analyzing curvature radii and gradients of the section. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, calculating mean speeds, deviation, and variance, followed by an ANOVA. The results show that at radii of 40-70 m, there is a positive correlation between radius and speed, with values ​​of 0.504 and 0.979, and p=0.000. Regarding gradients, significant variations were identified in both directions. These findings highlight the need to adapt safety measures to road conditions to reduce accidents.