Traffic safety - UHasselt

As social interest in traffic safety has increased in recent decades, so also has scientific research, especially in the last 10 years. IMOB conducts traffic safety research along two research lines: strategic analysis and risk and evaluation studies. IMOB is involved in traffic safety matters on the Flemish level. Local governments cooperate closely with the institute to further increase their knowledge about traffic safety and to translate scientific insights into practice. Furthermore,  IMOB is involved in national and international traffic safety projects.

Strategic analysis  

The research line of strategic analysis mainly concentrates on instruments and models that allow for analysis of traffic safety for strategic purposes, such as planning and policy support. For example, research is conducted into macroscopic prognosis models that are used to formulate expectations about future traffic safety. Through software development that includes these macroscopic models, policymakers can analyze scenarios and trends to scientifically support their decisions and make projections of future developments in traffic safety. Also, in the research line of strategic analysis, research is conducted into traffic safety indicators. A traffic safety indicator is a quantitative or qualitative benchmark that is derived from a series of observed facts and presents large volumes of information in a clear and simple way to be used in policy-making. For example, indicators are drawn up with respect to the most important risk domains of traffic safety, such as the use of the safety belt, speed, alcohol, etc. These indicators are brought together in a traffic safety monitor that indicates the most important policy bottlenecks.

Risk and evaluation studies  

The research line of risk and evaluation studies mainly concentrates on the relationship between infrastructure, environment and behaviour and their impact on traffic safety. Risk models are also used for this. They reveal the relationship between characteristics of the infrastructure, environment, behaviour and the risk of accidents. We verify the effectiveness of preliminary and follow-up studies of the measures taken.

In 2008 IMOB purchased, with the support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a driving simulator and a system for the detection of head and eye movements and physio- and biomechanical monitoring. In 2009 we purchased an EEG system for non-intrusive measurement of brain activity, also with the support of ERDF. With the driving simulator, we can conduct research in a controlled experimental environment into the effects of physical, mental and visual limitations and into the effects of road design and environment on driving behaviour.

Pictures driving simulator

Research topics within the domain of traffic safety

• Analysis and detection of hot spots 
• Analysis of the impact of transportation and traffic policy on traffic safety 
• Development of performance indicators to compare traffic safety in various countries 
• Impact of infrastructure and environment on traffic safety 
• Impact of weather conditions on traffic safety
• Administrative organizatioin on traffic safety policy

Contact person

Prof. dr. Tom Brijs, programme leader traffic safety