Identification of Risk Factors Associated with Fatal Intersection Crashes and Assessment of the In-Service Safety Performance of Signalized Intersections and Roundabouts in Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Several research studies conducted in North America and Europe have consistently shown that converting signalized intersections into roundabouts leads to safety benefits. These studies have led North American and European transportation agencies to convert hundreds of signalized intersections into roundabouts over the last few decades. Meanwhile, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has replaced many of its long-standing roundabouts with signalized intersections (i.e., controlled by traffic lights) despite the fact that no UAE-based scientific study comparing the safety performance of these two intersection types can be found in the literature. Hence, the objectives of this paper are to (i) identify factors that significantly contribute to fatal intersection-related crashes and (ii) assess the in-service safety performance of signalized intersections and roundabouts. It is anticipated that the findings from this research will provide road designers and decision-makers with much needed scientific guidance on which factors contribute to fatal intersection crashes as well as on whether converting existing roundabouts into signalized intersections improves public safety or not in Abu Dhabi. The findings from this research should also benefit neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries considering their similarities in road design, traffic characteristics, and driving culture.

Effects of mobile phone-related distraction on driving performance at roundabouts: Eye movements tracking perspective

“…In the same context, certain roadway configurations, such as intersections and roundabouts, while offering benefits such as increased capacity, safer traffic flow, enhanced mobility and reduced conflict points and crash rates [ [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] ], they present unique complexities for drivers and further under mobile phone distraction. Engaging in a secondary task (i.e., use of mobile phone) results in visual, cognitive and yet physical impairments that affect appropriate decisions and potentially influence the drivers ability to safely travel through roundabouts [ 19 , 20 ].…”