Substandard roads and disregard for traffic regulations such as speed limits are common in many countries. The use of Advanced Transport Telematics (ATT) could be of major benefit, for example by warning the driver of oncoming hazards such as sharp bends or by automatically controlling vehicle speeds. The technology is available but the safety and efficiency of such interventions are not clear. In this paper the ATT functions likely to have the greatest potential to improve the safety and level of service on existing roads are identified and evaluated. It is based on work carried out under the DRIVE II Programme. Following an investigation of reported accident contributory factors, case studies on roads in Ireland and Sweden and expert discussion, it is concluded that the ATT functions with the greatest operational and safety benefits are likely to be speed control, overtaking assistance and headway control. Each function is then examined by incorporating it into existing road scenarios based on an extensively validated two-way traffic simulation model. Safety and operational evaluations are then carried out using the results of simulation tests. It is shown that each of the three functions tested gave significant benefits.
Abstract