A simulation-based traffic safety evaluation of signalized intersections

In many cases, crashes at intersections account for over 50% of all urban road accidents. Theneed to reduce these crashes has fostered considerable research on the development andevaluation of traffic safety at intersections. This paper introduces a micro-level behavioralmethod for estimating crash potential at signalized and unsignalized intersections for differenttraffic characteristics. As long as Speeding is recognized as a major contributing factor in trafficcrashes, in this study it is emphasized on the contribution of speed in traffic safety situation ofintersections. In this study, proximal safety indicators which represent the temporal and spatialproximity characteristics of unsafe interactions and near-accidents are explored and then one ofthem is implemented in the safety evaluation process for unsignalized intersections and timeheadway for signalized intersections as a flow characteristic. Results show that an increase ofspeed limit on roads will end to a more dangerous situation. On the other hand the ability ofmicrosimulator to evaluate safety effects of such policy measure like speed limit is proven.

  • Authors:
    • Pirdavani, Ali
    • Brijs, Tom
    • Bellemans, T
    • Wets, G
  • Publication Date: 2010

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01208000
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
  • Files: ITRD, VTI
  • Created Date: Oct 19 2010 2:40PM