Safety Of Vulnerable Road Users Research Articles

Evaluation of Human Behaviour at Pedestrian Crossings

Road traffic crashes result from a combination of factors related to the road layout, the vehicles, the road users and the way they interact. First the main causes of pedestrian fatalities and the safety effects of road measures (traffic lights, roundabouts and refuge islands) at pedestrian crossings before and after implementation were investigated. The results indicate that there is a strong evidence for the positive effect of these measures especially on the number of the pedestrian related accidents. In the next phase a site survey was conducted in order to estimate the irregular crossing manoeuvres of car drivers and pedestrians at designated pedestrian crossings. Having analysed the irregular movements according to the type of crossing it was found, that car drivers behave the most irregularly at crossings without a refuge island. Crossings equipped with flashing yellow lights, refuge islands and traffic lights require a much more appropriate behaviour from car drivers. In the next phase of the research the waiting time of pedestrians and the delay of vehicle drivers again at pedestrian crossings were surveyed. Our results suggest that there is a need for a strong contribution of the human and the engineering fields to obtain an even more positive change in the safety of vulnerable road users.

Roundabouts as a Form of Access Management

Transportation engineers and planners are becoming more interested in using roundabouts to address capacity and traffic operations, access management, and safety concerns in the transportation system. Roundabouts are preferred as a form of intersection by some communities because they allow for continuous flow of traffic and they can be less expensive to maintain and operate. However, the operational characteristics in the functional area are less well understood than other types of intersections. Therefore, although roundabouts are being used in a variety of contexts, existing research does not provide detailed guidance on how to evaluate the use of roundabouts as a form of access management. This paper provides an operational analysis of selected roundabouts in Florida and South Carolina. The operational analysis identifies four areas of concern: corner clearance, including stopping site distance and intersection sight distance; the flow of traffic and the queuing of vehicles in the functional area near roundabouts, including driveway and intersection spacing, and the use of medians; access to major activity centers; and safety of vulnerable road users, especially bicyclists and pedestrians.

Impact Assessment of Its Applications for Vulnerable Road Users

The EU-sponsored VRUITS project has prioritized ITS applications which have a potential to improve the safety, mobility and comfort of vulnerable road users (VRUs) and performed a quantitative safety, mobility and comfort assessment for the 10 most promising systems. The assessment methodology addresses not only the direct effects of the systems, but also unintended effects and effects through changes in mobility patterns. The 10 selected ITS were: VRU beacon system, Powered Two Wheelers oncoming Vehicle information, Bicycle-to-vehicle communication, Cooperative Intersection safety, Green wave for cyclists, Pedestrian & Cyclist detection with Emergency Braking, Blind spot detection, Intelligent pedestrian traffic signal, Crossing adaptive lighting and Information on bike rack vacancy. The paper presents the quantitative estimates for the impact on safety, mobility and comfort. The outputs of the impact assessment are translated into socioeconomic indicators via a social cost-benefit analysis.

Characterization of Black Spot Zones for Vulnerable Road Users in São Paulo (Brazil) and Rome (Italy)

Non-motorized transportation modes, especially cycling and walking, offer numerous benefits, including improvements in the livability of cities, healthy physical activity, efficient urban transportation systems, less traffic congestion, less noise pollution, clean air, less impact on climate change and decreases in the incidence of diseases related to vehicular emissions. Considering the substantial number of short-distance trips, the time consumed in traffic jams, the higher costs for parking vehicles and restrictions in central business districts, many commuters have found that non-motorized modes of transportation serve as viable and economical transport alternatives. Thus, local governments should encourage and stimulate non-motorized modes of transportation. In return, governments must provide safe conditions for these forms of transportation, and motorized vehicle users must respect and coexist with pedestrians and cyclists, which are the most vulnerable users of the transportation system. Although current trends in sustainable transport aim to encourage and stimulate non-motorized modes of transportation that are socially more efficient than motorized transportation, few to no safety policies have been implemented regarding vulnerable road users (VRU), mainly in large urban centers. Due to the spatial nature of the data used in transport-related studies, geospatial technologies provide a powerful analytical method for studying VRU safety frameworks through the use of spatial analysis. In this article, spatial analysis is used to determine the locations of regions that are characterized by a concentration of traffic accidents (black zones) involving VRU (injuries and casualties) in São Paulo, Brazil (developing country), and Rome, Italy (developed country). The black zones are investigated to obtain spatial patterns that can cause multiple accidents. A method based on kernel density estimation (KDE) is used to compare the two cities and show economic, social, cultural, demographic and geographic differences and/or similarities and how these factors are linked to the locations of VRU traffic accidents. Multivariate regression analyses (ordinary least squares (OLS) models and spatial regression models) are performed to investigate spatial correlations, to understand the dynamics of VRU road accidents in São Paulo and Rome and to detect factors (variables) that contribute to the occurrences of these events, such as the presence of trip generator hubs (TGH), the number of generated urban trips and demographic data. The adopted methodology presents satisfactory results for identifying and delimiting black spots and establishing a link between VRU traffic accident rates and TGH (hospitals, universities and retail shopping centers) and demographic and transport-related data.

Useful visual field training: A way to improve elderly car drivers’ ability to detect vulnerable road users

Our study examined the ability of two groups of elderly car drivers to detect vulnerable road users (pedestrians and two-wheeled motorized vehicles) in a simulated car-driving task. One group was given specific training, aimed at increasing their useful visual field, while driving. The second group’s task was to follow another vehicle. Data analysis indicated that the training given led to a significant increase in drivers’ useful visual field. In addition, comparison of performances of the two groups permitted us to conclude that training had a beneficial effect on driving, as elderly drivers who received training were better able to detect pedestrians in the road environment. This research could potentially be applied in cognitive intervention programs for older adults in order to preserve their ability to drive and improve the safety of vulnerable road users.

Modeling and Application of Pedestrian Safety Conflict Index at Signalized Intersections

Traffic conflict between turning vehicles and pedestrians is the leading cause of pedestrian fatalities at signalized intersections. In order to provide a solution for evaluating intersection safety for vulnerable road users, this paper first determines the most important factors in analyzing pedestrian-vehicle conflict and puts forward a pedestrian safety conflict index (SCI) model to establish a quantitative standard for safety evaluation of two- or multiphase intersections. A safety level system is then designed based on SCI to help categorize and describe the safety condition of intersections applicable to the model. Finally, the SCI model is applied to the evaluation of two intersections in the city of Changchun, the result of which complies with expectation, indicating the model’s potential in providing an improved approach for pedestrian-vehicle conflict evaluation study.

ITS‐based Cooperative Services development framework for improving safety of vulnerable road users

Innovative advanced systems have been proposed for improving the safety and efficiency in the mobility of road users in Europe. Particularly for road transport, new ITS-based Cooperative Services for preventing accidents in critical points and situations are emerging where road users, vehicles and a sensorised integrative infrastructure are the main actors. With this motivation, and taking into account the road infrastructure's capability to incorporate new Cooperative Systems technology, this study aims to provide a first set of guidelines for speeding up the convergence process among a broad set of multi-heterogeneous sensor data fusion, high level situation understanding and assessment, and communications capabilities, all of them necessary for the development of advanced ITS safety-related services previously mentioned. Analysis is focused on vulnerable road users (VRUs) and on how this kind of services will contribute to provide more intelligent and safer urban traffic environments. A typical scenario involving VRU is studied as a preliminary analysis of the impact that these systems have on the safety of a specific group of road users. Some of the underlying principles of the proposed architecture will be validated in a field operational test FP7 European project.

An integrated speed management plan to reduce vehicle speeds in residential areas: Implementation and evaluation of the Silverberry Action Plan

IntroductionSpeeding in residential areas is one aspect of a larger set of problems related to speeding and traffic safety. The problem affects the safety of vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), specifically young children, and creates a sense of insecurity due to the risk of being involved in a vehicle crash and the seriousness of ensuing injuries. MethodThis paper describes the implementation and evaluation of an integrated speed management plan to reduce vehicle speeds on residential roads. A before-after experimental design with comparison group was employed for the evaluation. To address the fact that the effectiveness of treatment might diminish with time, two sets of speed data were collected with one immediately after the treatment and another after four months. ResultsStatistical analysis reveals that the proposed plan can effectively reduce vehicle speeds and speed variances for both the short and long term. The effectiveness was found to vary with time of day and day of week. Overall, reductions of mean speed were estimated at 2.94km/h (5.8%) and 2.26km/h (4.5%) for the short term and long term, respectively. Impact on IndustryThe study shows that an integrated speed management strategy, which combines education and enforcement activities with a low cost engineering treatment, can effectively reduce vehicle speeds on residential roads with a potential to improving road safety.

Noise abatement and traffic safety: The trade-off of quieter engines and pavements on vehicle detection

Road traffic sounds are a major source of noise pollution in urban areas. But recent developments such as low noise pavements and hybrid/electric engine vehicles cast an optimistic outlook over such an environmental problem. However, it can be argued that engine, tire, and road noise could be relevant sources of information to avoid road traffic conflicts and accidents. In this paper, we analyze the potential trade-offs of traffic-noise abatement approaches in an experimental study, focusing for the first time on the impact and interaction of relevant factors such as pavement type, vehicle type, listener's age, and background noise, on vehicle detection levels. Results reveal that vehicle and pavement type significantly affect vehicle detection. Age is a significant factor, as both younger and older people exhibit lower detection levels of incoming vehicles. Low noise pavements combined with all-electric and hybrid vehicles might pose a severe threat to the safety of vulnerable road users. All factors interact simultaneously, and vehicle detection is best predicted by the loudness signal-to-noise ratio.

Findings of the follow-up survey—GRSI Beijing project of improving vulnerable road user safety at junctions

BackgroundDuring 2006–2009, Beijing Transportation Research Center, Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) and Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) worked together on a project to improve vulnerable road user (VRU) safety at...

A Decision Support System for Analysis of Vulnerable Road Users Safety Issues: Results of the SAFERBRAIN Project

SaferBraIn (an EC-funded project within the FP7) aims at increasing the level of safety of the road transport systems, focussing on Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) in India and Brazil.A Decision Support System (GIS-based application) is developed to select safety measures to reduce risk of accidents of VRUs, realize corrective and preventive analyses and road safety audits. The “corrective module” relies with analyses of VRUs accident data, identification of causes of accidents, possible countermeasures basing on Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analyses and monitoring of results. The “preventive module” realises road safety inspections and audits with a special focus on VRUs.

Traffic Signal Design and Simulation for Vulnerable Road Users Safety and Bus Preemption

Mostly, pedestrian car accidents occurred at a signalized interaction is because pedestrians cannot across the intersection safely within the green light. From the viewpoint of pedestrian, there might have two reasons. The first one is pedestrians cannot speed up to across the intersection, such as the elders. The other reason is pedestrians do not sense that the signal phase is going to change and their right-of-way is going to be lost. Developing signal logic to protect pedestrian, who is crossing an intersection is the first purpose of this study. In addition, to improve the reliability and reduce delay of public transportation service is the second purpose. Therefore, bus preemption is also considered in the designed signal logic. In this study, the traffic data of the intersection of Chong-Qing North Road and Min-Zu West Road, Taipei, Taiwan, is employed to calibrate and validate the signal logic by simulation. VISSIM 5.20, which is a microscopic traffic simulation software, is employed to simulate the signal logic. From the simulated results, the signal logic presented in this study can protect pedestrians crossing the intersection successfully. The design of bus preemption can reduce the average delay. However, the pedestrian safety and bus preemption signal will influence the average delay of cars largely. Thus, whether applying the pedestrian safety and bus preemption signal logic to an intersection or not should be evaluated carefully.

Transport Planning Guidelines for Vulnerable Road User Safety in Emerging Economies

With the rapid expanse of motorised traffic in countries such as Brazil and India, the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) needs to be a key component in any transportation development. It should be considered what can be learnt from European transport planning experiences. This review identifies current good practice in Europe and considers how VRU safety is considered in the process. Based on this review, recommendations are given for:Stakeholder participation;•The development of a step by step planning process;•The implementation of VRU principles into the process.•An assessment of the feasibility and implications for safety of applying European practice to Emerging Economies is also given.

Equine road user safety: Public attitudes, understandings and beliefs from a qualitative study in the United Kingdom

Horse riders represent a significant group of vulnerable road user and are involved in a number of accidents and near misses on the road. Despite this horse riders have received little attention both in terms of academic research and transport policy. Based on literature on vulnerable road user safety, including attitudes to road user safety and behaviour of drivers and their relationship with cyclists and motorcyclists, this paper examines the attitudes and reported behaviour of drivers and horse riders. A total of 46 participants took part in six focus groups divided into four groups of drivers with little or no horse riding experience and two groups of frequent horse riders. Each group investigated five key topic areas stemming from the literature review on vulnerable road users including hazard perception, risk perception, emotion, attitudes to sharing the road and empathy. It was found that drivers and horse riders are not always aware of the same hazards in the road and that this may lead drivers to under-estimate the risk when encountering horses. Drivers often had good intentions to overtake horses safely, but were unaware of how vulnerable passing very wide and slow made them feel until they had begun the manoeuvre and hence quickly reduced such feelings either by speeding up or cutting in too soon. However, other than this, drivers had good skills when encountering horses. But these skills could be impeded by frustration when encountering a slow moving horse which was further compounded by a feeling, mainly by younger drivers, that horse riding was for leisure and as such should not get in the way of necessary work journeys. There is a need for drivers to be more aware of the potential hazards a horse rider faces on the road and these could be achieved through inducing empathy amongst drivers for horse riders, creating nudges for drivers in the environment and better education for drivers.

Bonnet weight reduction and VRU protection: Design proposals implementing non-conventional materials

The use of non-conventional and innovative materials is increasingly important in automotive design. They allow reductions in the weights of structures with consequent reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, they ensure excellent safety levels. Once excellent results in terms of active and passive safety have been obtained, the attention of car manufacturers, and of the public opinion, is focused on the safety of vulnerable road users (VRU), pedestrians and cyclists. Some examples concerning the redesign of a bonnet with the double targets of weight reduction and pedestrian safety are illustrated. Hybrid metal/plastic and more conventional metal sheet solutions are compared. The static performance (stiffness and denting resistance), as well as the impact against a pedestrian head, are evaluated by means of FEM models along with actual regulations.

Promoting vulnerable road users safety towards safe and equitable communities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country in South Asia and is a very densely populated country with about 150 million inhabitants living in an area of 147 570 sq km. Road accidents...

Do Light Truck Vehicles (LTV) Impose Greater Risk of Pedestrian Injury Than Passenger Cars? A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Objective: Pedestrian crashes present a growing challenge for public health trauma and road safety researchers around the world. They are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and cost, yet there is an international lack of published work on the topic, especially when compared with vehicle occupant safety studies. Our review attempts to quantify the risk of fatal injury among vulnerable road users. The specific objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to quantify and compare the impact of light truck vehicles (LTVs) versus conventional cars on pedestrian fatal injury. Methods: A protocol was developed using methods of the Cochrane Collaboration. We conducted a search for the studies in bibliographic databases that included ATI (Australian Transport Index); Cochrane Injuries Group Specialized Register; EMBASE; ERIC; MEDLINE; National Research Register; PsycINFO; Road Res (ARRB); SIGLE; Science (and Social Science) Citation Index; TRANSPORT (NTIS, TRIS, TRANSDOC, IRRD). Web sites of traffic and road accident research bodies, government agencies, and injury prevention organizations were searched for grey literature. Reference lists from selected papers or topic reviews were scanned for potentially relevant papers. Results: Our initial search identified 878 potentially eligible studies. After thorough review by three of the researchers a total of 12 studies were included in the systematic review, 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled odds ratio for the risk of fatal injury in pedestrian collisions with LTVs compared to conventional cars was odds ratio 1.54, 95 percent confidence interval 1.15–1.93, p = 0.001. Thus, the risk for pedestrians of sustaining fatal injury is 50 percent greater in collisions with LTVs than in collisions with conventional cars. Conclusions: Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that LTVs pose a greater risk of pedestrian injury death compared to conventional cars. These findings have important implications for the automotive industry and the safety of vulnerable road users.

Vulnerable Road User Safety

Aprosys (Advanced Protection Systems) is a European Commission 6th Framework Integrated Project that started in April 2004, including a sub-project concerned with the safety of Vulnerable Road Users (VRU). The aim of the pedestrian and cyclist project, lead by Cranfield Impact Centre (CIC), is to pave the way for the introduction of advanced protection systems for the reduction of the number and severity of injuries to pedestrians and cyclists, in particular for children and elderly.

Generation of Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres in Pre-Crash Driver Assistance Systems

The objective of increasing safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) is considered crucial in the European Union. Simulative and experimental results already at disposal show that, while in the long range case, a warning system can be sufficient to reduce the number of accidents, an active intervention system is mandatory in the other cases. The types of automatic action that a driver assistance system can accomplish are two in number: an emergency braking or a collision avoidance manoeuvre. In this work, the second type of action is analyzed, and a sliding mode based collision avoidance strategy is presented.

Strategies to Promote the Safety of Vulnerable Road Users in Developing and Emerging Countries: South African Experience

Road casualties are discussed from a worldwide perspective. More than 80% of annual traffic casualties occur in developing and emerging countries in Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists are a major road safety problem in these countries. In Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, more than 40% of annual road fatalities involve pedestrians compared with less than 20% in Europe and the United States. The focus of this study is South Africa’s strategy to promote the safety of vulnerable road users. The extent of casualties among vulnerable road users and contributing factors are highlighted. Over the last decade, pedestrian fatalities have gradually and steadily declined in South Africa. This study describes the various policies, strategies, and action plans developed and implemented by different government levels in South Africa to promote road traffic safety, particularly the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. Barriers to successful implementation are also pointed out. Apart from applying a holistic approach by involving all relevant disciplines, a coordinated and sustained effort of all government levels was encouraged. Joint-venture funding projects among different government levels was emphasized to improve hazardous pedestrian locations. The role of the private sector in South Africa to promote pedestrian safety is also discussed. Practical guidelines are presented for developing and emerging countries to promote the safety of vulnerable road users.