Validation and Applicability of Floating Car Speed Data for Road Safety

Traffic speeds are one of the most important factors influencing road safety outcomes. The project compares floating car data (FCD) speeds with conventionally collected point-speed data for different parts of the road network in Victoria. Analysis showed a clear relationship between the two data types. Simple calibration models were developed to interpret FCD speeds in the context of conventionally measured free-flow speeds. Availability of FCD speed data was much greater than for point-speed data, covering most of the public road network. The project also noted some limitations, but pointed to opportunities for more sophisticated speed-safety models than currently available.