Independent factors and historical trends used to identify these likely locations are only proxies for accident probability. Most likely locations for accidents to occur are determined relative to other locations within the scope of this study. No attempt is made to quantify the magnitude of these impacts.
The assessment facilitated by the data in this study is limited because impact measures are more » restricted to the identification of potential areas or persons affected. A worst-case scenario assessment is included to determine potentially critical and most likely places for accidents or incidents to occur. Data for relative and absolute impact measures are provided to support comparisons of routes based on selected characteristics.
This characterization facilitates three types of impact analysis: comparative study, limited worst-case assessment, and more sophisticated probabilistic risk assessment techniques. In this study, rail and highway routes which may be used for shipments of high-level nuclear waste to a proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada are characterized.
