Treatment of small intersections is one of the most important factors in considering the area wide safety improvement. In order to evaluate and select an appropriate method from among the various devices and systems available, the impact of any introduced method must be appraised using short time observation without any long-term accident records. The aim of this study is to develop an assessment method for the risk of intersection accidents at small intersections by using traffic behaviour observation. Vehicles' speed and acceleration during approach to intersections are analysed by employing a digital video system. A new assessment index is proposed that expresses the ratio of dangerous approaching vehicles, which would not be able to stop and avoid a crossing collision if a vehicle should approaches from the right of way side. In conclusion, this index showed a good correlation with the number of accidents that occurred at the intersection. The author also appraised effect of an automatic warning sign system by comparing vehicle behaviour. (Author/publisher)
Abstract