For many years, traffic engineers in London have had considerable success in reducing personal injury road accidents at individual locations. In 1987 the London Research Centre was established to provide a range of information services. Work initially consisted of a programme of accident investigation analysis and the design of appropriate remedial measures. This work appears to have reduced accidents by about 20%. In 1991 a change was made from concentration on single sites to analysis of accidents along specific route sections. This usually comprises 4-8 km of highway and may analyse 350 personal injury accidents in a 3 year study period. Many of these studies have succeeded in identifying specific route problems while retaining the opportunity to resolve site specific problems along the route. The paper is based on experience from two London based case studies where the methodology employed resulted in a 35% reduction in road accidents in the first year. This methodology has the potential for application in both large and small cities. Techniques developed for this work are assessed, comprising accident analysis, site investigation, isolating problems, the design of remedial measures and estimation of potential accident reductions. Reference is made to two studies.
Abstract