Pedestrian safety at roundabouts: a comparison of the behavior in Italy and Slovenia

Abstract

Due to their ability to reduce conflict points, roundabouts are considered one of the safest infrastructure typologies for motorized traffic. While the increase in drivers’ safety was largely demonstrated, and some efforts were spent on the side of cyclists, pedestrian safety was not extensively analysed. The present paper analyses pedestrian safety at roundabouts set in two different locations, Italy and Slovenia. This research highlights differences and similarities in pedestrian behavior at the same infrastructure typology, considering the effects risen by diverse road habits. Starting from footages recorded at the two locations, behavioral analysis and a proactive safety analysis are run. Statistical tests are developed to compare the two data samples. Behavioral results show for both locations faster pedestrian paces than expected. As for safety, the surrogate safety measures’ percentages overcoming the thresholds for dangerous events underline the need to find solutions from both the infrastructural side and pedestrian safety awareness.