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Development of a Safe Systems Indicator for Video Conflict Analysis Applications

Author(s): Yongsheng Chen

Slidedeck Presentation Only (no paper submitted):

4A_2_Chen

Abstract:

In safety analysis, the strength of collision data is that it represents real outcomes. However, collisions are rare events and may not provide a statistically robust sample for analysis. Surrogate safety methods analyze events that are correlated to collisions but that occur more frequently than collisions in order to perform diagnostics using a large and robust sample size. Advancements in Video Conflict Analysis (VCA) tools helps overcome issues associated with collision data and manual studies. The Safe Systems approach to Road Safety Management has shifted the focus away from crash reduction towards the elimination of fatal and serious injury collisions. The Safe Systems approach provides a holistic view to transportation systems and considers the interactions between all road users, speeds and road design. The development of a surrogate safety indicator related to the Safe Systems approach provides road safety professionals with a more advanced tool for VCA applications. The first objective of the paper is to document the state of VCA tools and applications in transportation engineering. The second objective is to present the development of an innovative Safe Systems Surrogate Safety Indicator for a VCA application which incorporates vehicle classification, energy and collision type. The third objective is to provide a case study of the application of the Safe Systems Indicator based on a pilot project developed by Fireseeds North Infrastructure. The pilot project includes the collection of video data along a roadway and the development of surrogate safety indicators based on the interactions between vehicles travelling along the roadway. The paper presents guidance for transportation engineers and road safety professionals, particularly in provincial, city and municipal public transportation agencies. The information presented in the paper will help members of the target group assess relevant applications of VCA that can support their road safety activities. Three keys activities will inform the paper: 1) a technology scan, 2) a development process, and 3) a pilot project using VCA. 1) a technology scan, 2) a development process, and 3) a pilot project using VCA.