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Früherkennung von Gefahrenstellen im Straßenverkehr ( American english: Early Detection of Dangerous Areas in road traffic), often shortened to FeGiS, is a road traffic safety research project for the early identification of danger points in road traffic and for the prevention of traffic accidents in Germany. The project was launched in December 2017 and was funded by the "mFund" of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport in two second funding stages, due to the successful completion of the FeGiS feasibility study ^[1] in 2018.

Background

The number of accidents and injuries caused by road fatalities in Germany has risen again over the last decade. ^[2] Increased traffic volume, stress in everyday life, or distractions while driving can be factors in road fatalities. Situations are often not correctly assessed, or they are recognised too late. Early recognition of danger points can prevent accidents through timely warnings of danger zones for road users or by eliminating the danger through appropriate measures. The European Commission pursues " Vision Zero" (zero road fatalities) and hence, outlines the proactive identification of danger points in road traffic as one of its priorities in the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021–2030. ^{[3] [4]}

Feasibility study

The feasibility study of the project was also sponsored by the "mFund" of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. During this first funding stage, the crowdsourcing platform "gefahrenstellen.de" / "dangerspots.org" developed by the "Initiative for Safer Roads" in cooperation with the Institute for Road Engineering at RWTH Aachen University (ISAC), was successfully tested between 2017 and 2018. ^[1] The focus was on the cities of Bonn and Aachen. Thanks to the extensive reporting in Newspapers, ^{[5] [6] [7]} Web portals, ^{[8] [9]} and on radio and TV, a total of 1,500 danger reports with around 3,500 supporters were generated for the two cities over a period of approximately 6 months. A subsequent research analysis by RWTH Aachen University confirmed the high validity of the hazard reports. In addition to the identification of already-known accident black spots, road users also reported danger spots that had not yet become conspicuous due to accidents but showed a high risk potential during site inspections. ^[10] This form of crowdsourcing was thus confirmed as a method for the early detection of danger points, so that it was decided to continue the project with an extended project approach. ^{[11] [12]}

Development of FeGiS+ (EDDA+)

During the second funding stage between 2019 and 2022, the FeGiS concept was further developed for the studied model. The focus during this development phase lies on analysing the correlation between the different data streams and on aggregating the information to extract "smart data" as a result. ^{[13] [14]} Such data will be tailored and adapted to the needs of the different user groups. The extensive experience and knowledge of the partners of FeGiS+ will be instrumental in the further development of the project. ^{[15] [16]}

Furthermore, the intention of FeGiS+ is to generate a new database for up-to-date information about danger spots and thus, the FeGiS+ approach could also serve as blueprint for other countries ( road safety in Europe). In this line, the development plan of the research project also includes a test of the applicability of the FeGiS+ approach in neighbouring European countries. ^[17]

FeGiS+/EDDA+ Hazard Score Map

As a core result of the research project, the FeGiS+/EDDA+ Hazard Score Map for the entire German road network was published on gefahrenstellen.de in the summer of 2022. ^{[18] [19]} Stakeholders in road safety work have access to the detailed database, which is updated regularly. The hazard score map is also the basis for the digital school route planner. ^{[20] [21]} The application finds the 'safest possible' route to school using the open-route service of the Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology. ^[22]

The proactive approach of the danger score methodology is in development. Partial aspects are scientifically accompanied within the framework of research projects. ^[23]

Awards

In October 2022, the FeGiS+/EDDA+ Hazard Score Map received the Excellence in Road Safety Award in the Technology category and the Jacques Barrot Audience Award from the European Road Safety Charter, led by the European Commission. ^[24]

References

External links

• Website dangerspots.org / gefahrenstellen.de
• Website Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport project presentation FeGiS+
• FeGiS+ on website of German Police University
• FeGiS+ / EDDA+ on website of RWTH Aachen University
• FeGiS+ on website of DTV-Verkehrsconsult
• gefahrenstellen.de on website of german newspaper "General-Anzeiger Bonn"