In Orlando, a TravTek simulation study found that motorists that use navigation devices reduce their crash risk by 4 percent as a result of improved wrong turn performance and the tendency of the system to route them through higher class (normally safer) facilities.
Date Posted
09/21/2000
Identifier
2000-B00053
TwitterLinkedInFacebook

TravTek Evaluation: Orlando Test Network Study

Summary Information

The TravTek project used the INTEGRATION simulation model to estimate safety impacts on a representation of the Orlando roadway network using performance parameters obtained during field studies. Analyses were performed to estimate crash risk of motorists using navigation devices compared to motorists without them. In addition, the safety impacts on the entire traffic network (both equipped and unequipped vehicles) were analyzed. Results indicated an overall reduction in crash risk of up to 4 percent for motorists using navigation devices, due to improved wrong turn performance and the tendency of the navigation system to route travelers to higher class (normally safer) facilities. Increased safety risks of up to 10 percent were estimated for the equipped vehicles, while the overall network showed a safety neutral to a slight safety improvement when diversion occurred. The network safety improvements were experienced when diversion from congested roadway reduced the level of congestion for the remaining equipped and non-equipped vehicles and helped to smooth traffic flows on those roads.

Goal Areas