Do calculated conflicts in microsimulation model predict number of crashes?

Atze Dijkstra*, Paula Marchesini, Frits Bijleveld, Vincent Kars, Hans Drolenga, Martin Van Maarseveen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A microsimulation model and its calculations are described, and the results that are subsequently used to determine indicators for traffic safety are presented. The method demonstrates which changes occur at the level of traffic flow (number of vehicles per section of road) and at the vehicle level (vehicles choosing different routes). The best-known safety indicator in this type of model is the conflict situation, in which two vehicles approach each other and, if no action is taken, a crash will occur. These conflict situations are detected in the simulation model. This method does not necessarily relate directly to any actual observed conflicts or recorded crashes. The quantitative relationship is examined between detected conflicts at junctions in the model and recorded crashes at the same locations in the real world. The methods chosen for detecting conflicts and for selecting crashes are explained. A microsimulation model was constructed for a regional road network. The conflicts in this network were detected, and the recorded crashes were selected. The results show a quantitative relationship between the number of conflicts at priority junctions and the number of passing motor vehicles on one hand and the number of observed crashes on the other hand. When crashes and conflicts are divided into crash categories, junctions with signals clearly show substantial differences between the relative numbers of frontal crashes and frontal conflicts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)105-112
Number of pages8
JournalTransportation Research Record (TRR)
Issue number2147
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Jan 2010

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