The average daily traffic volume is an important indicator that forms a crucial basis for assessing traffic or construction decisions and safety measures, among other things. Previously, the DTV was determined using traditional traffic counts, but this often had the disadvantage that this data was only available selectively and for limited periods of time. Nowadays, there is a significantly improved data source: data from vehicles. We can provide you with important traffic data from vehicles covering the entire German road network throughout the year. We help you to provide and analyze this data in order to plan measures in the road network based on facts.
The most important features at a glance
Continuous recording
Permanent instead of selective traffic volumes
Extensive coverage
Nationwide recording of traffic flows
Efficient planning
Precise data for optimal planning processes
Better predictions
Evaluate historical and current data and optimize forecasts
At a time when mobility is increasingly characterized by data, the focus is on innovative technologies to make road traffic safer and more efficient. One of the most promising developments is the recording of traffic volumes through the average daily traffic volume (ADT) using modern vehicle data. This data, which is obtained directly from vehicles, opens up new possibilities for traffic management and road planning. But what is behind it? And how can this information contribute to safer roads?
What is the DTV and why is it so important?
The average daily traffic volume is a key figure that indicates the average number of vehicles traveling at a certain point on a road within a 24-hour period. Traditionally, the DTV is determined by counting points on roads or bridges. Vehicle movements are recorded manually or automatically over certain periods of time and extrapolated for the year.
This data is crucial for a variety of planning processes. It helps to better understand traffic flow, optimize road infrastructure, identify bottlenecks and mitigate potential accident sites. At a time when many cities and municipalities are growing, it is more important than ever to have accurate information about traffic volumes in order to plan ahead and ensure safety.
Vehicle data as a new data source
However, with digitalization and the increasing networking of vehicles, new methods have emerged to record traffic volumes even more precisely and up-to-date. Vehicles equipped with modern telematics systems provide a wide range of data: from GPS locations to driving speeds and traffic densities. This data, which is collected, processed and analyzed, provides a much more comprehensive basis for calculating traffic volumes across the entire road network.
The information from the vehicles that we can provide you with makes it possible to record the average traffic volume not only at fixed counting points, but also over long distances and in different regions. We also have historical data going back several years. This makes it possible to make extensive comparisons, for example on possible changes after measures have been implemented. All this leads to a much more comprehensive overall picture of traffic volumes and traffic flows.
Advantages of data acquisition from vehicles
The use of vehicle data to determine the DTV has numerous advantages:
- Continuous recording: In contrast to conventional counts, which are often only carried out at certain intervals or once, vehicle data provides a more continuous record of traffic.
- High precision: As the data comes directly from the vehicles, it is extremely accurate and makes it possible to analyze traffic flows to within a few meters.
- More comprehensive coverage: Instead of only collecting traffic data at specific measuring points, data can be collected from the entire road network. This helps to identify hidden bottlenecks or less frequented but dangerous stretches of road.
- More efficient planning: With precise and comprehensive data, road planners and traffic engineers can respond better to the needs of road users. Capacities can be optimally planned, roadworks can be targeted and detour can be designed more efficiently.
- Better predictions: By analyzing historical and current traffic data, future traffic developments can be predicted and preventive measures can be taken before congestion or an increased risk of accidents occurs.
More security through better data
Safe roads start with a precise understanding of traffic flows. Recording traffic volumes using vehicle data makes a decisive contribution to identifying potential danger spots at an early stage and taking measures to prevent accidents. Bottlenecks that could lead to rear-end collisions or junctions with frequent bicycle accidents can be better identified and mitigated thanks to precise data analysis.
The data can also help to optimize the flow of traffic. Intelligent traffic control systems allow traffic lights or speed limits to be adjusted. This allows traffic to be better distributed and traffic jams to be avoided, which in turn reduces the risk of accidents.
The future of road planning and safety
The use of vehicle data to record average daily traffic is a significant step forward for traffic planning and safety. With more accurate, comprehensive and comparable data over time, transportation authorities and other players can react more quickly to changes and take proactive measures. Ultimately, these innovations lead to safer roads, fewer accidents and more efficient use of transport infrastructure.
The Initiative for Safe Roads is committed to advancing this technology and promoting the use of vehicle data for traffic planning. We have extensive data material from vehicles that we can provide and analyze for you. Please feel free to contact us!
Interested? We are also happy to answer your questions personally at 0228 – 76 38 69 00