Road user perception of safety at Safe System intersections

Abstract

This study examined driver perceptions of safety at metro and regional intersections with different types of control. Data was collected using an on-line survey with 696 participants drawn from the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia’s Member Panel. Results demonstrate a greater perception of safety associated with the use of roundabouts, yet a reduced perception of safety associated with a lesser known Safe System design of raised plateaus. Additionally, the results suggest that there is some confusion about the need to give way to other traffic at traditional controlled and uncontrolled intersections, further supporting the need for Safe System intersection designs.