The VUFO focusses in particular on data collection and data analysis for road safety. By precisely recording and analysing accidents, it compiles meaningful statistics on the causes and sequences of accidents and their consequences so that effective road safety measures can be developed.
The data collection team works directly on site at accident scenes immediately after the accident event. In addition to traditional accident recording, we are continuously testing and developing new and innovative methods for recording accident-related data sets.
Since 1999, around 1,000 road accidents per year have been documented as part of the GIDAS accident research project in the greater Dresden area. The VUFO team collects general statistical, medical and technical data. Following data processing and image editing, a reconstruction is carried out for each case.
The GIDAS-PCM is a database with simulated accident scenarios, which is created on the basis of the GIDAS database and the PCM format and can be used to analyse real accident data and to design and evaluate ADAS and HAF. It contains static information on the accident site as well as dynamic information on the parties involved up to the first collision.
Traditional on-site sketching is increasingly being supplemented by modern methods of 3D accident site recording. VUFO is actively following developments in this area and has also developed a work process for 3D accident site recording based on laser scans, photogrammetry or drone flights.
Current issues require prompt investigations. The data collection team carries out various special surveys in the vicinity of the road accident:
For enquiries and further information on our special surveys, please contact Contact us with us! We are also available to advise you as a project partner.
The reconstruction of road accidents is a complex process that brings together all available information and connecting facts from the accident documentation and data collection. Our focus is on the clarification of accident events and their sequence of events.
Our services:
Our many years of experience, comprehensive expertise and close cooperation with the GIDAS accident research project make us a reliable partner in road accident reconstruction. Contact us to find out more about our services and training courses.
The globally unique GIDAS accident database now contains more than 42,000 accidents. In addition to this data, some of which we have collected ourselves, we also have access to other national and international data sources that can be used for accident data analyses.
Here you will find information on the methodology of statistical representativeness, weighting and extrapolation. We also present descriptive analyses and individual case analyses.
With the introduction of new vehicle technologies and mobility concepts, the traffic situation and thus also the accident situation will constantly change. Our expert team has been researching whether and how a planned or developed functionality changes road traffic for many years.
What are we working on?
The databases available to us provide a good basis for answering specific questions. The data is analysed, for example, with regard to age influences, road conditions or accident avoidance and provides project partners with important information for optimising traffic and vehicle safety. Specifically, VUFO carries out effectiveness and potential analyses, for example on driver information and driver assistance systems, creates simulations and weighs up cost-benefit ratios. In addition, VUFO also offers detailed individual case analyses, statistical evaluations and univariate and multivariate data analyses.
What do we offer you?
We investigate your questions about accident and traffic incidents with the help of accident data, derive safety potentials and formulate suggestions for improvement to optimise safety.
GIDAS - German Accident Depth Study
The "German In-depth accident study" (GIDAS) is analysed by the data analysis team according to customer requirements. Individual case analyses can also be carried out on the basis of this database, including the analysis of individual images.
GIDAS >
IGLAD - International Road Accident Database
The "Initiative for the global harmonisation of accident data" (IGLAD) is an international road accident database that contains accident data from twelve countries. By analysing IGLAD data, the international traffic accident situation can be mapped. VUFO is not only involved in the maintenance of IGLAD, but also has the necessary expertise for IGLAD analyses.
IGLAD>
Official road accident statistics are usually so-called full surveys. This means that every road accident in a country is surveyed under the same aspects. The level of detail is generally lower than in accident depth studies such as GIDAS. VUFO can also analyse this data. Foreign or international statistics can also be analysed on behalf of clients
DESTATIS >
CARE data / EU road accident statistics >
The VUFO processes information on accidents in the United States of America, making it possible to analyse the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. This is of particular interest if in-depth knowledge is to be gained from fatal road accidents. After all, the FARS database contains around 40,000 fatal road accidents every year.
FARS >
In principle, we have other data sources at our disposal, such as IRTAD, KBA data and police accident data from the Free State of Saxony.
In the field of vehicle safety, the assessment of injury risk is of great importance for understanding injury mechanisms, defining protection criteria or transferring simulation results to real accident scenarios. Statements are often required about the relationship between technical accident parameters, such as accident severity, and the predicted injury severity.
The VUFO is a competent partner in the fields of road safety, accident research, data analysis and database management. Our experienced scientists will be happy to advise you and support you in working on your research questions.
In order to further advance the development and validation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and highly automated driving functions (AD) in simulation, VUFO is currently working on the transfer of real, concrete accident scenarios into the standardised formats OpenDRIVE 1.6 and OpenSCENARIO 1.0. Both formats are technology- and manufacturer-independent and are based on the syntax of the Extensible Markup Language - XML. Our work thus creates a way to integrate real accident scenarios into simulators or simulation solutions in the future.
OpenDRIVE is used to describe the road network and the surrounding area. The file stores information on the road geometry, lanes, markings and objects (e.g. buildings, parked cars, traffic signs).
OpenSCENARIO is used to describe the dynamic behaviour of road users. It can be used to describe manoeuvres based on driver reactions and trajectories and to store information about the participants (e.g. type and dimensions).
What are we working on?
VUFO has automatically transferred the first accident scenarios from the GIDAS PCM to OpenDRIVE 1.6 and OpenSCENARIO 1.0. For the time being, these are scenarios with simple road geometries (e.g. accident scenes on straights or in bends) and few lanes. An extension to more complex accident scenes with junctions and intersections is planned for the future.
An example scenario in OpenDRIVE / OpenSCENARIO can be downloaded here as a *.ZIP file: download
The VUFO is a competent partner in the fields of road safety, accident research, data analysis and database management. Our experienced scientists will be happy to advise you and support you in working on your research questions.
Are you looking for scientific advice for a project? Do you need support in the area of research and development? We will be happy to provide you with a suitable offer.
They are used to analyse the interactions between vehicles, their environment and other road users in order to develop driver assistance systems, networked and Automated driving functions and test them. The standardisation of such scenarios, for example in formats such as OpenDRIVE and OpenSCENARIO, ensures the comparability and transferability of the results and makes development safer. automated vehicles supported.
The TASC dataset is based on real accident data, which is converted into simulation files using specially developed procedures and scientific methods
In order to further advance the development and validation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and highly automated driving functions (AD) in simulation, VUFO is currently working on the transfer of real, concrete accident scenarios into the standardised formats OpenDRIVE 1.6 and OpenSCENARIO 1.0. Both formats are technology- and manufacturer-independent and are based on the syntax of the Extensible Markup Language - XML. Our work thus creates a way to integrate real accident scenarios into simulators or simulation solutions in the future.
OpenDRIVE is used to describe the road network and the surrounding area. The file stores information on the road geometry, lanes, markings and objects (e.g. buildings, parked cars, traffic signs).
OpenSCENARIO is used to describe the dynamic behaviour of road users. It can be used to describe manoeuvres based on driver reactions and trajectories and to store information about the participants (e.g. type and dimensions).
What are we working on?
VUFO has automatically transferred the first accident scenarios from the GIDAS PCM to OpenDRIVE 1.6 and OpenSCENARIO 1.0. For the time being, these are scenarios with simple road geometries (e.g. accident scenes on straights or in bends) and few lanes. An extension to more complex accident scenes with junctions and intersections is planned for the future.
An example scenario in OpenDRIVE / OpenSCENARIO can be downloaded here as a *.ZIP file: download
PCM stands for Pre-Crash Matrix and is a specified format for storing accident or real driving scenarios in a database in a structured manner. The database created can then be used to analyse and evaluate time-dependent and driving dynamics variables.
The PCM was originally developed as an internal format by VUFO in 2011 to provide project partners with pre-crash data for accidents investigated as part of the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS). Version 5.0 of the current format has been defined and published since 2019. Since then, it can be used for any accident or scenario database and is freely accessible.
To store scenarios (e.g. based on accident reconstructions) or data recordings (e.g. from Event Data Recorder (EDR), Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS), Field Operational Test (FOT), ...) in a standardised, structured format. The database created can then be used to analyse and evaluate time-dependent and dynamic driving variables.
The format specification can also be used as a basis for conversion to other formats or driving dynamics solvers.
Frequently used formats:
The specification contains the structure, the variables and the corresponding descriptions of the PCM format.
The current PCM format specification, including the available libraries, can be downloaded here as a *.ZIP file: download
Properties and libraries have so far been prepared for the German transport infrastructure. Other country-specific infrastructure can be stored and used in additional tables.
An example scenario in PCM format can also be downloaded here as a *.ZIP file: Download example
Contact us >
The studies include the detailed analysis and evaluation of systems and functions as well as the investigation of the effectiveness of various collision avoidance measures. In addition, comprehensive analyses of criticality and the "point of no return" are possible with the help of the developed criticality models and evaluation algorithms.
The simulations of real accident scenarios are essential in order to assess the benefits and functional Security future systems for road traffic and optimise it at an early stage of development.
To support the development Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), VUFO is currently working on models to represent and analyse connective technologies in specific individual accident scenarios.
A model for determining the received signal strength (RSSI - Received Signal Strength Indicator) was developed in cooperation with the TU Dresden, Chair of Information Technology for Traffic Systems (ITVS). The results of this model can be integrated into the PCM data. This allows analyses to be carried out to improve safety.
What are we working on?
The VUFO mainly works with accident data from the GIDAS PCM. An RSSI history can be calculated and analysed for approx. 98% of all almost 11,000 GIDAS PCM cases.
In addition, the model can also be applied to other data sets (e.g. real driving data, international accident data, etc.) that are available in PCM format 5.0 and RSSI values can be calculated.
What do we offer you?
RSSI sequences can be made available for the GIDAS PCM. We will be happy to inform you about the current status of our developments and advise you on your research projects.
Using the PONR model of the VUFO, we simulatively identify the unavoidable time of an accident. Cases from the GIDAS database are systematically varied. By integrating different driving manoeuvres at different points in time, we check whether one (or more) of these driving manoeuvres lead to a collision avoidance at the respective point in time. The variation of the point in time to be tested (depending on the success or failure of the avoidance manoeuvre) ensures that the PONR is narrowed down. The underlying limit values of the currently eight integrated driving manoeuvres are based on the GIDAS database (e.g. maximum possible deceleration) and are based on Kamm's circle. The driving manoeuvres are as follows:
The focus on different manoeuvres can be determined in advance by the user by selecting the driving manoeuvres to be investigated or by excluding certain driving manoeuvres. By determining the last possible avoidance time, the limit is identified at which the probability of success of active safety systems lies at 0% and accordingly all measures to mitigate the consequences of an accident could / should be initiated.
For acceleration manoeuvres, the maximum acceleration can either be selected individually or, in future, approximated based on the vehicle class and the initial speed.
The current model version (V1) allows a variation of the driving manoeuvres for one participant (car), all other participants retain their movement. The user can specify the party to be varied. An extension to the co-operative model, in which both parties involved in the initial collision can be varied, is possible if required.
The methodology of the PONR model is illustrated in the following video. The initial collision of a GIDAS PCM case and two variations, on the one hand the full deceleration and on the other hand an avoidance manoeuvre to the left, are visualised using the PCM viewer. The last possible avoidance time of the respective manoeuvre is shown for both variations.
What are we working on?
VUFO applies the model on the basis of the GIDAS database. If the cases are suitable, we calculate the times of unavoidability for the accidents and output these as well as the last possible avoidance manoeuvre. It is possible to integrate these values into the VUFO criticality dashboard.
In principle, this methodology can also be used for other data sources that are in PCM format and contain further information on the situation or accident.
What do we offer you?
We calculate the point of no return for you based on the GIDAS cases and the last possible avoidance manoeuvre for each case. This allows you to drive forward your developments in the field of active and passive vehicle safety in a data-driven manner and integrate the specific (time) requirements.
Here we present our methodology for calculating the time-to-collision and travelling hose criticality. By analysing both criticality models, statements can be made about the temporal and spatial criticality.
Time To Collision (TTC)
The time-to-collision is defined as the time it takes for a collision to occur between several road users while maintaining their current driving behaviour. The basis for this is the rectilinear, uniform form of movement. This parameter is of great importance for the criticality assessment of both active and passive safety systems. Among other things, the TTC provides the necessary information for initiating or triggering various safety precautions, e.g. for the emergency brake assist.
With the TTC model developed by us, we are able to calculate the temporal progression of the TTC of two road users based on the driving data in PCM format, regardless of the constellation.
Driving hose criticality (FSK)
The model developed by VUFO for the criticality of driving hoses is to be understood as a measure of spatial criticality. It determines the space required by a road user in the longitudinal direction for the avoidance manoeuvres of deceleration to a standstill and evasion by applying the necessary lateral offset.
The formation of the vehicle-specific movement options is shown in so-called driving hoses. The specified acceleration values can be customised (standard: 9.81m/s² for the highly critical driving tube shown in red in the video and 4m/s² for the critical driving tube shown in yellow or 6m/s² and 3m/s² for cyclists). The more suitable avoidance manoeuvre is thus determined by calculating the required distance in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
The manoeuvre with the shortest distance to avoid is therefore the one that determines the length of the driving hose of the respective participant. There is also a third green (non-critical) manoeuvring tube, which represents normal travel (straight, uniform movement), analogous to the manoeuvring tube of the TTC model.
The criticality is then determined via the intersection points/intersection area of the driving hoses of both participants. Based on the criticality of each individual vehicle, which can assume a value between 0 (non-critical) and 1 (highly critical), the entire situation is then evaluated by calculating the arithmetic mean of these criticalities and thus the final driving hose criticality (FSK). This methodology is applied for each time step stored in PCM format, resulting in an FSC curve.
The model approaches for calculating the TTC and FSK as well as the resulting progressions are shown in the following video as examples for two different accident types (321 - crossing accident with priority vehicle from the right; 211 - left turn with oncoming traffic). The first case is a car-cyclist collision, the second case is a collision between two cars.
The Point Of No Return (PONR) mentioned in the video comes from the model of the same name and is determined simulatively on a case-specific basis by varying the driving manoeuvres.
What are we working on?
The VUFO mainly works with accident data from the GIDAS PCM. A TTC and FSK history can be calculated and analysed for approx. 95% of all almost 11,000 GIDAS PCM cases.
However, it is also possible to calculate these curves for external data in PCM format, for example driving data from NDS studies.
What do we offer you?
We calculate the criticality of the journeys in your data or prepare GIDAS PCM analyses for you. For example, we can determine the danger and relevance of certain traffic scenarios for research and development projects.
By analysing both criticality models, statements can be made about both temporal and spatial criticality. The respective model limits can be reduced by a combined consideration of the two criticality measures presented. This results in significant advantages in the criticality assessment of different driving situations.
We can help you interpret the results and are happy to advise you on how to use them.
What are we working on?
The complexity of developing and validating new ADAS/AD (Advanced Driver Assistance System/Autonomous Driving) functionalities is constantly increasing. In order to be able to analyse and evaluate the benefits and functional safety of such systems at an early stage, simulating the function in a real accident is of crucial importance.
What do we offer you?
We support your development and validation in the area of ADAS/AD functionalities. We work closely with you to define the functions and limits of the system, as well as options for transferring it to the simulation environment. The system can then be simulated within various real and generic accident scenarios with different parameter sets. Both the parameters of the system and the accident scenario can be varied. Finally, the results are analysed and classified.
We regularly offer you training and further training in the areas of reconstruction, simulation of road accidents, data collection and data analysis in order to clarify road accidents or to derive effective measures to prevent accidents in the future.
You can choose from various modules to expand your knowledge in the field of accident investigation and reconstruction. For example, you can gain practical experience directly at the scene of an accident. The training courses are ideal for people who already have some knowledge of road accidents and want to lay or consolidate the basics of accident analysis.
We believe that excellent further training in the areas of accident data collection and vehicle and road safety is particularly important for various professions in order to clarify road accidents or derive effective measures to prevent accidents in the future. VUFO therefore sees itself not only as a research institute, but also as an educational organisation. You can find our entire range of services in our Training catalogues 2024 and 2025
EES stands for "Energy Equivalent Speed" and designates the Speed value with which a vehicle collides with a undeformableObstacle bounces and shows comparable deformations. EES is one important and indispensable Size for the Analysis theCollision phase:
Building on the unique data basis of our accident surveys, we have created a digital EES reference catalogue that makes it easy to search for EES comparison cases. This catalogue consists of extensive data records for several hundred vehicles. The scope of the catalogue is constantly being expanded and new data records added.
What do we offer?
The VUFO catalogue provides you with a portal with extensive vehicle, collision and accident-specific data records. You can narrow down your search in the EES catalogue using the following filter criteria:
Vehicle-specific filter criteria
- Vehicle model
- Vehicle class
- Body shape
- First registration
- Crash weight
Accident-specific filter criteria
- Type of accident
- Accident type
Collision-specific filter criteria
- Collision counterparty
- Main damage (VDI2)
- Shock pulse direction (VDI1)
- Overlap
- Rollover
- Underride
- Energy equivalent speed (EES)
- Change in speed (DV)
- Collision speed (VK)
To gain an insight into the EES catalogue, you can currently register for a free guest account. This account gives you two-day (basic) access to the EES catalogue. See for yourself and gain an insight into the largest and most detailed German accident database. In addition you can choose between different licence models.
Traffic accident research at the TU Dresden GmbH
Semperstrasse 2a
01069 Dresden
Phone: +49 (0)351 438989-0
Fax: +49 (0)351 43898999
E-Mail: info@vufo.de
Traffic Accident Research at TU Dresden GmbH is a company of the TUDAG Group.
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