Which of the following traffic surveys is most suitable for collecting data on the starting point and destination of trips to plan a new bypass road?
- ASpot speed study
- BOrigin and Destination (O-D) surveyCorrect
- CTraffic volume count
- DAccident study
Solution
Concept
Origin and Destination (O-D) Survey
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Identify the objective: Collecting data on trip starting points and destinations for bypass route planning. 2. Match with standard traffic surveys: Origin and Destination (O-D) surveys track the start and end of trips. 3. Choose the Origin and Destination (O-D) survey as the correct option.
Explanation
An Origin and Destination (O-D) survey directly tracks where trips begin (the origin) and where they end (the destination). This information helps planners determine how much traffic wants to bypass a city or area, making it ideal for planning new bypass routes.
Shortcut
To remember the right survey for trip starting points and end points, use the simple rule "Start & End = Origin & Destination (O-D)": - Origin = Where the trip starts. - Destination = Where the trip ends. - Bypass Roads = Planned using O-D surveys to identify desire lines and re-route traffic around cities.
Common mistake
A common mistake is selecting option C (Traffic volume count) by confusing total traffic flow with travel desire lines. While a traffic volume count measures the number of vehicles passing a specific location, it does not reveal where the trips started or where they are ending, which is critical for planning bypass roads. Another mistake is choosing option A (Spot speed study), which only measures instantaneous vehicle speeds at a specific point rather than route movement patterns.
Correct answer: B) Origin and Destination (O-D) survey