Conflict points are the points where two vehicles can potentially collide with each other at road intersections. We can determine the number of conflict points based upon the type of intersection. In this blog, we will cover in detail how to calculate conflict points step by step.
Types of Conflicts or Traffic Manoeuvres
Before getting to know about conflict points it is important to know about the traffic manoeuvres that occur at an intersection. There are essentially four traffic manoeuvres as given below.
Cross conflict
Merge conflict
Diverge conflict
Weaving conflict
Cross conflict is a major conflict, whereas merge, diverge and weaving are considered minor conflicts. Each of these conflicts is discussed in detail below.
1. Cross Conflict
Cross conflict occurs when two vehicle paths collide with each other i.e., perpendicular to each other. This could lead to a severe accident. This is why cross conflict is considered a major conflict.
2. Merge Conflict
Merge conflict occurs when a vehicle from another lane or another route converges into a lane of another vehicle. This doesn't lead to a severe accident and therefore it is considered a minor conflict.
3. Diverge Conflict
Diverge conflict occurs when a vehicle moves away from its lane to join another lane or to take another route. As the vehicle switches lanes, it might slow down causing problems to the vehicle immediately behind it. This leads to diverging conflict, but it is considered a minor conflict as it doesn't cause a severe accident.
4. Weaving Conflict
This is a combination of merge and diverge conflict. It usually happens in rotary ways or to switch from the wrong lane to the correct lane.
Steps to Find Potential Conflict Points at an Intersection
Step 1: Draw the intersection
Step 2: Find the nature of traffic movement on a road, i.e., whether it is a one-way or two-way traffic
Step 3: Represent the direction of vehicular traffic on each road
Step 4: Identify the major and minor conflict points based on traffic manoeuvres discussed before
Step 5: Count the total number of conflicts, major conflicts and minor conflicts
Conflict Points Example Problem
Let's consider a three-arm intersection in which each road serving for two-way traffic.
Step 1: Draw the intersection
Step 2: Find the nature of traffic movement on a road, i.e., whether it is one-way or two-way traffic.
Let all roads have two-way traffic
Step 3: Represent the direction of vehicular traffic on each road
Step 4: Identify the major and minor conflict points based on traffic manoeuvres discussed before
Note:
The red circle represents cross conflicts
The blue circle represents merge conflicts
The yellow circle represents diverge conflicts
Step 5: Count the total number of conflicts, major conflicts and minor conflicts
Major conflicts = 3
Minor conflicts = 3 (merge) + 3 (diverge)
Total conflicts = 9
Practise Problem
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