This paper gives an account of the methods of statistical analysis from which conclusions of satisfactory accuracy relating to the annual average of daily traffic (ADT), and the duration and peak values of "critical hours", can be drawn. The pattern of traffic fluctuations forms the basis of this method, the fluctuations being determined by means of the probability theory using the latest methods of mathematic statistics. For a thorough knowledge of the traffic flow to be investigated it is necessary to describe the application of the traffic counting method. From data derived from surveys carried on thorough knowledge of the traffic flow to be investigated it is necessary to describe the application of the traffic counting method. From data derived from surveys carried on thorough 5 years in Switzerland, and from the analysis of the results, the method of how to apply sampling to counts over the entire highway system of a country, could be established. In analysis of the results of these counts it was possible to establish the fact that the daily, weekly and monthly fluctuations in traffic flow are in accordance with mathematically determinable laws.
Abstract