Subjective Road Safety
Approach for Dutch municipalities to gain insight into subjective road safety
A.D. de Hoop (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
H. Farah (TU Delft - Traffic Systems Engineering)
Eleonora Papadimitriou (Safety and Security Science)
C.A. Bax (Stichting Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Verkeersveiligheid (SWOV))
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Abstract
This study investigates how Dutch municipalities can measure and use subjective road safety. A literature review was conducted, analyzing 31 scientific sources. In addition, gray literature and practical differences were examined, involving 13 different parties. Interviews were also held with six municipalities to discuss their perspectives on the definition of subjective road safety, the data they currently have, their goals regarding subjective road safety, the resources available for further measurements, and their most pressing needs. The study found that there is still significant ambiguity within municipalities regarding the definition of subjective road safety. For many municipalities, the individual’s perception of safety plays a central role. Furthermore, there is confusion about the relationship between objective and subjective road safety. Municipalities need more concrete goals to make informed decisions about whether to measure subjective road safety reactively or proactively. Policies can be developed based on these goals, but it is crucial that objective road safety is not compromised. Using subjective road safety as a measure to gain insight into objective road safety is not advisable, as the relationship between these two dimensions is not yet fully understood. While they coexist and influence each other, they function independently.