To enhance road safety, the Danish Minister of Transport set up a multidisciplinary Road Accident Analysis Group (named AVU) in 1996. The objective of the group was, over a two-year trial period, to carry out in-depth analyses of specific accident types and to propose preventive measures. As part of this project the group has analysed 17 accidents involving left turning motor vehicles. The analyses are based on data from various authorities, inspection of accident scenes and interviews with parties involved. In 12 accidents accident factors were primarily linked to drivers of the left turning vehicle in that they made mistakes in overviewing the conditions, or misjudging the amount of time required to execute a left turn. Elderly drivers were overly represented in these accidents. In relation to road conditions,uneven overviews of junctions complicated situations furthermore. In 5 accidents accident factors were primarily linked to the drivers driving straight. Their problems involved inattention and too high speeds. Problems with overviewing situations can primarily be alleviated with road related measures, that simplify the situation when turning at a junction. Elderly drivers should be informed about the difficulties they can encounter at junctions. Too high speeds can best be combated with increasing the perceived risk of being caught together with more enforcement, strict sanctions as well as road related measures, that reduce speeds on main roads. (A)
Abstract