PURPOSES : There are significant differences in traffic accident rates depending on various road conditions and environments. However, the current traffic accident rates on national highways are classified relatively simply, and it is also difficult to accurately calculate the crash modification factor. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the traffic accident rates on national highways by presenting an algorithm for categorizing the traffic accident rates of national highway into four types (older and modern roads, and urban and rural roads). METHODS : The problems in the current rate of traffic accidents were derived, Traffic accident analysis system(TAAS) was used for the traffic accident data, and the road traffic volume statistical yearbook was used for the traffic volume data. After dividing the national highways into older and modern roads and urban and rural roads, the rates of traffic accidents were calculated and compared with the current accident rates. RESULTS : The accident rate of modern roads was found to be lower than that of older roads, and was lower in rural areas than in urban areas. From comparing the results of this study with Korea development institute(KDI) guidelines, older roads and urban roads exceeded the value in the KDI guideline, whereas the rates of modern roads and rural roads were lower than the KDI value. CONCLUSIONS : The accident rate accuracy was improved by subdividing the accident rates into four types. Therefore, it is expected that the accuracy and reliability of economic analysis on road projects will be improved.