Abstract
Methods used to evaluate the impact of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) services on road safety are usually based on expert assessments or statistical studies. However, commonly used methods are challenging to apply in the planning process of ITS services. This paper presents the methodology of research using surrogate safety measures calculated and calibrated with the use of simulation techniques and a driving simulator. This approach supports the choice of the type of ITS services that are beneficial for traffic efficiency and road safety. This paper presents results of research on the influence of selected scenarios of variable speed limits on the efficiency and safety of traffic on the sections of motorways and expressways in various traffic conditions. The driving simulator was used to estimate the efficiency of lane-keeping by the driver. The simulation traffic models were calibrated using driving simulator data and roadside sensor data. The traffic models made it possible to determine surrogate safety measures (number of conflicts and their severity) in selected scenarios of using ITS services. The presented studies confirmed the positive impact of Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) on the level of road safety and traffic efficiency. This paper also presents recommendations and plans for further research in this area.
Highlights
Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems have been implemented in many countries as a method of improving traffic flow and road safety
This paper presents a novel methodology of research and assessment of road traffic safety using surrogate safety measures calculated based on simulation models and supported by driving simulator studies
As in the experiment presented in [67], will the lateral deviation increase? Will the level of traffic safety measured with Surrogate Safety Measures (SSMs) decrease because of this? What will be the impact of speed harmonisation and speed reduction recommendations on traffic safety? This paper presents the possibilities of using data from various sensors to develop simulation models, which allowed for an attempt to answer the above research questions
Summary
Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems have been implemented in many countries as a method of improving traffic flow and road safety. The VSL algorithms are usually based on speed, occupancy and volume variables. Designed VSL systems reduce the number and severity of accidents, travel time and emissions by harmonising traffic flow speed [1,2,3]. Li et al [6] presented the impact of VSL on reducing the number of secondary collisions in poor visibility conditions. For this purpose, Li used a modified car-following model. VSL systems contribute to improving traffic safety by reducing the speed
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