Abstract We empirically examine the relationship between traffic congestion and deaths in road accidents at the city level. We use panel data from 129 large cities in Europe for the period 2008–2017. We find strong evidence of a quadratic relationship between congestion and deaths in accidents, using both parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques. The threshold point at which the relationship between congestion and deaths in accidents is reversed and becomes positive occurs when congestion results in about a 30 per cent increase in travel time compared to a free flow situation. For most congested cities, any effective measure to contain congestion may also lead to better safety outcomes.
Highlights We examine the complex relationship between congestion and road safety in cities. We use a panel data approach for 129 European cities between 2008 and 2017. Our findings strongly suggest an inverted U-shaped relationship between both externalities. The reversed threshold is found at a 30% increase in travel time respect to free flow. Effective measures to contain intense congestion lead to better safety outcomes.
On the relationship between congestion and road safety in cities
Transport Policy ; 105 ; 145-152
2021-03-17
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Congestion , Traffic , Road safety , Accidents , Cities
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