One measure to handle the expected increase of road traffic in the future is to use traffic management systems. After a phase of research which is almost finished, the authors are in the second phase of system development, testing and introduction. One of the expected aims of the European research programme PROMETHEUS was "unprecedented safety". However, the results so far differ greatly in their assessment. Some of the already implemented systems such as collective dynamic safety and diversion signing on autobahns have had a beneficial effect on traffic safety especially by reducing serious casualties and fatalities. On the other hand the authors find systems where the aims and the success for traffic safety will be greatly dependent on driver behaviour and human interaction with technology. The report gives a critical overview about some of the realized and some realizable safety effects of traffic management systems. Among other things, it contains a critical comparison between analyses of already installed dynamic safety and diversion signing facilities with a focus on traffic safety (e.g. accident trends) and the costs entailed by installation and operation. The authors also discuss the 10 requirements of the German Traffic Safety Council for safe traffic management systems. These are: (1) Collective dynamic safety and diversion signing and flexible signing systems; (2) Radio traffic systems; (3) Traffic relocation through road taxes; (4) Logistic of hazardous substance transport; (5) Rescue services; (6) Road and weather conditions; (7) Travel planning; (8) Acceptance, costs and operational safety; (9) Safety has to be an essential criterion of system assessment; and (10) Fields of implementation.
Samenvatting