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Intersections
In urban areas almost every second injured or killed person in road accidents is registered at intersections. On rural roads the corresponding figure is still 36%. This reveals the particular importance of traffic safety issues at intersections. A key aspect on this topic is the safe design of the traffic infrastructure. At intersections often high numbers of road users coincide driving or walking in different directions. In consequence traffic flow at intersections can be very complex and in some circumstances confusing for the road users. The right of way at intersections in Germany can be regulated by traffic lights, traffic signs, or by the off side priority rule (left yields to right). Also roundabouts are applicable. The German Insurers Accident Research already conducted several research projects concerning the traffic safety of intersections which are presented below.
Safety cycle paths around perimeter of roundabou... Compact single-lane roundabouts are among the safest types of intersection. But cyclists benefit least from this high level of safety. A previous German Insurers Accident Research study carried out in 2012 had shown that cycle paths around the perimeter of roundabouts with priority for cyclists at... Read more. |
Safe intersections for young and old Children, senior citizens and people with limited mobility are often disadvantaged and at risk on the roads due to their physical and cognitive limitations, in particular when they are on foot or cycling. The risks are particularly high at intersections. A UDV study examined whether these more... Read more. |
Safety at roundabouts in built-up areas Small roundabouts outside built-up areas are considered to be extremely safe traffic systems both in Germany and abroad. In built-up areas, however, safety problems can occur, particularly with bicycles. A study commissioned by the UDV (German Insurers Accident Research) therefore examined whether... Read more. |
New Guidelines for Traffic Signals In 2010 the FGSV (German Road and Transportation Research Association) published a new edition of the Guidelines for Traffic Signals (RiLSA). The guidelines are very technical and not easy for the layman to read. In addition, they do have some shortcomings in terms of road safety. Read more. |
Switching off traffic signals overnight Traffic signals are used at intersections of all kinds wherever this is necessary in order to control traffic flow or to ensure traffic safety. The research carried out to date with respect to traffic safety when traffic signals are switched off at night is no longer up to date and is concerned... Read more. |
Diagonal crossings They are very unusual in Germany – but more often seen in some other countries: intersections at which only pedestrians can cross the road diagonally when they have a green light (diagonal crossings). In a student research project, the UDV investigated whether diagonal crossings meet criteria for... Read more. |