Traffic Conflict Techniques in the Czech Republic

Josef Kocourek

doi:10.2478/v10158-010-0017-x

Abstract

This article deals mainly with defining a way of monitoring traffic conflicts. This issue is only one part of a greater safety analysis, or risk determination process for a particular location. Based on the described procedures it is possible to apply the methodology also to more complicated nodes, such as level crossings, sections of towns, residential areas, or rural areas. After the survey and the collection of a necessary amount of transport and engineering data, the determination of a relative number for the "almostaccident rate" (number of calculated vehicles for a selected time period and the number of traffic conflicts - so-called almost-accidents) may be calculated.

Highlights

In most road safety studies, analysts use the information contained in accident reports to identify and understand the failures of the road system and propose appropriate corrective action
While these analyses are essential, it is well recognized that accident data suffer from a number of shortcomings and need to be complemented by field observations in order to improve the accuracy of safety diagnoses
The traffic conflict technique (TCT) was originally developed by researchers from General Motors Laboratories who wanted to investigate whether GM cars were driven differently than others (Perkins and Harris, 1968)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In most road safety studies, analysts use the information contained in accident reports to identify and understand the failures of the road system and propose appropriate corrective action. While these analyses are essential, it is well recognized that accident data suffer from a number of shortcomings and need to be complemented by field observations in order to improve the accuracy of safety diagnoses. Almost all traffic conflict techniques take into consideration the need, for at least one road user, to take evasive action in order to avoid a collision (braking, swerving, accelerating, or a combination of these manoeuvres). A well-accepted definition of traffic conflict is: “an observable situation in which two or more road users approach each other in space and time to such an extent that there is a risk of collision if their movements remain unchanged”

METHODS

APPLICATION

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION