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.
We work closely with you to define the goal and the framework conditions of your request. We will be happy to show you various approaches and work with you to find the optimum solution.
Our data analysis team will be happy to assist you with requests for descriptive analysis, the application of multivariate analysis methods, information queries on international accident databases, representativeness assessments, weightings and extrapolations of data sources, requests for training / further training measures in the use of the GIDAS database.
By representativeness, we mean the potential to draw conclusions about a population from a subset that is as representative as possible, whereby certain elements of the population must have the same chance of being included in the subset.
To this end, we are guided by the model of the GIDAS database and its survey methodology, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the German traffic accident situation by having a survey team collect and anonymously document a “representative subset of all police-reported traffic accidents with personal injury at two survey locations in Germany, regardless of the police objective, according to purely scientific aspects”.
The statistical analysis of accident data is a core competence of VUFO, which also reflects the interdisciplinary approach to accident investigation.
The aim is to present all types of empirical data relating to accidents clearly and according to customer-specific requirements. To this end, the descriptive analysis is based not only on the pure evaluation of accident statistics and databases, but also on the observation of market developments (e.g. development of the vehicle population or vehicle equipment with active and passive safety systems), the inclusion of infrastructural data (e.g. traffic counts), the analysis and evaluation of biomechanical and medical aspects, and the integration of other data sources that allow accident events to be described in more detail.
In addition to the clear preparation of the content, all results are compiled according to scientific aspects in the context of the customer-specific task.
To this end, we are guided by the model of the GIDAS database and its survey methodology, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the German traffic accident situation by a survey team using a sampling plan to collect and anonymously document “as representative a subset as possible of all police-reported traffic accidents with personal injury at two survey locations in Germany, irrespective of the police objective, according to purely scientific aspects”.
Despite the selection of accidents for the GIDAS database being as representative as possible, there are distortions compared to the official traffic accident statistics of the Federal Statistical Office. In order to eliminate distortions compared to the German accident statistics, the data in the GIDAS database is usually weighted before a descriptive evaluation is carried out. Reasons for a distortion are
Accidents that are initially recorded by the police as “accidents without personal injury” can subsequently become accidents with personal injury. For example, those involved may present themselves to a doctor hours or days after the accident because (mainly minor) injuries only become apparent later. Although this information reaches the police, it almost never reaches accident research. In addition, such an accident is excluded from the survey scheme according to the sampling plan and other accidents are documented by the GIDAS team. This results in a lower proportion of accidents with minor injuries.
Accident research relies on cooperation with the police. However, not every traffic accident with personal injury is reported, even in systems with automatic e-mail notification. The most common reason for non-reporting is the unknown severity of injury in the command center. Accidents with serious personal injury or fatalities therefore tend to be reported more frequently.
VUFO usually weights the GIDAS database according to the following characteristics:
Depending on the level of detail, the weighting can also be extended to other characteristic carriers (e.g. traffic participation type).
Weighting is not only necessary for the GIDAS database, but also for other national and international accident data sources that want to map a representative subset of the population. With the knowledge of the necessary characteristic carriers from other national or international accident data sources, VUFO can also carry out weightings for these data sources.
To this end, we are guided by the model of the GIDAS database and its survey methodology, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the German traffic accident situation by a survey team using a sampling plan to collect and anonymously document “as representative a subset as possible of all police-reported traffic accidents with personal injury at two survey locations in Germany, irrespective of the police objective, according to purely scientific aspects”.
The basis for an extrapolation to the population is the weighting of the data set to absolute accident or injury figures.
VUFO currently offers the following projections based on the GIDAS database:
The individual case analysis is a scientific assessment of individual accidents according to predefined characteristics that are determined in consultation with the client. This means that a very high level of detail can be used.
With the help of this methodology, additional data can be extracted from existing GIDAS accident datasets, further increasing the level of detail and the informative value of analyses. The spectrum ranges from the post-coding of previously unrecorded features to the evaluation of individual case-specific aspects or measures by experienced experts.
The assessment of individual cases provides a broader perspective on the sample and thus completes the descriptive analysis.
With the introduction of new vehicle technologies and mobility concepts, traffic and therefore also accidents will constantly change. Our expert team has been researching for many years whether and how a planned or developed functionality will change road traffic.
The databases available to us provide a good basis for answering specific questions. The data is analyzed, for example, with regard to age influences, road conditions or accident prevention and provides project partners with important information for optimizing 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.
We investigate your questions about accident and traffic incidents with the help of accident data, derive safety potentials and formulate suggestions for improvement to optimize safety.
The German In-depth accident study (GIDAS) is analyzed 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.
Initiative for the global harmonization of accident data (IGLAD) is an international road accident database that contains accident data from twelve countries. The evaluation of IGLAD data allows the international traffic accident situation to be mapped. VUFO is not only involved in the maintenance of IGLAD, but also has the necessary expertise for IGLAD analyses.
Official road accident statistics are usually so-called full surveys. This means that every traffic 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 is also able to analyze this data. Foreign or international statistics can also be analyzed on behalf of clients
The VUFO processes information on accidents in the United States of America, making it possible to evaluate the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database. This is of particular interest if in-depth knowledge is to be gained from fatal traffic accidents. After all, the FARS database contains around 40,000 fatal road accidents every year.
We also have other data sources at our disposal, such as IRTAD, KBA data and police accident data from the Free State of Saxony.
The VUFO has developed an approach for creating injury risk functions based on real accident data.
An injury risk function describes the probability of occurrence of a specific injury criterion (dependent variable) as a function of one or more variables (independent variable) for a specific population.
The main objectives are to identify the injury values, analyze and evaluate possible influencing parameters and select a suitable statistical model. Model performance measures are important values for estimating the ability of the model to explain the events within the sample.
We create injury risk functions for the injury severity of:
The method developed has so far been applied to accidents from GIDAS (German In-Depth Accident Study), but in general other data bases or target values other than injury severity are also envisaged.
In addition to the creation of injury risk functions, we offer a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the results and their application in the evaluation of active and passive vehicle safety systems
Empirical data usually determine the injury risk functions retrospectively and the evaluation of future safety systems uses them prospectively.
They offer an important opportunity to assess the consequences of changed (but not prevented) accidents.
Injury risk functions (IRF) are also essential elements for the evaluation of vehicle safety systems. They are able to predict the expected severity of injury depending on one or more accident parameters.
They are particularly suitable for the evaluation process when system warnings or system interventions could change the consequences of a real accident.
These injury risk functions are usually created for injury criteria such as probability:
Take advantage of our expertise in accident research to maximize safety and prevent accidents! Our tailored scientific advice helps you to precisely analyze the causes of accidents and develop effective preventive measures. With interdisciplinary know-how, our scientists will guide you to well-founded solutions.
If you would like to find out more about the application of the services, please get in touch with us. Thomas Unger will be happy to assist you.
Telephone: 0351 438989-35
E-mail: thomas.unger@vufo.de