PURPOSES: This study was initiated to estimate the benefits from the campaign to prevent drowsy driving crashes on expressways. The study was conducted by the Korea Expressway Corporation using a contingent valuation method.
METHODS : First, a questionnaire was designed for a preliminary survey. From the survey’s results, the initial willingness to pay for the campaign was determined by averaging different amounts of payments chosen under virtual scenarios in the survey. The willingness to pay data was used to find a first bid price for the open-ended method used for the second survey. After that, a primary questionnaire was designed and conducted using a single dichotomous choice question (SDBCQ). Drivers at expressway resting areas were asked their willingness to pay for the campaign. Based on statistical analysis using data collected from the second survey, the mean willingness to pay was estimated using a probability utility function. Finally, the benefit from the campaign was calculated using the estimated willingness to pay and accident data on expressways.
CONCLUSIONS : Based on the result from the contingent valuation method, the benefit from the campaign to prevent drowsy driving crashes was estimated to be 170.6 won per expressway trip. The benefit is to be paid as an additional toll. In addition, the traffic crash cost estimate is about 2,209,680,000 won less than the cost during the same period in 2014.