NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Why is the middle ordinate important in assessing curve safety?

1. It measures vehicle impact resistance

2. It indicates the required sight distance

3. It helps in determining lane widths

4. It evaluates environmental impact

The correct answer is: It indicates the required sight distance

The middle ordinate is significant in assessing curve safety as it provides critical information regarding the curvature of the roadway. Specifically, it relates to the geometry of the road curve and plays a key role in determining the required sight distance. When evaluating curves, it is essential for drivers to have adequate sight distance to perceive potential hazards and respond appropriately. The middle ordinate corresponds to the distance from the midpoint of the curve’s radius to a straight line drawn from the beginning of the curve to the end. This measure can help in calculating how visible an object is from various points on the curve, thereby affecting how safely a driver can navigate through it. If sight distances are insufficient, drivers may struggle to react in time to obstacles or changes in traffic conditions, increasing the risk of accidents. Assessing the middle ordinate allows engineers to design safer roads by taking into account the necessary sight distances for curves, ultimately contributing to safer driving conditions.