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Journal of Industrial Safety Engineering Review Article

Intersection Safety in Urban Environments: A Review of Risk Factors and Crash Patterns

  1. Rohit Prajapati , Department of Civil Engineering, Poornima College of Engineering ISI-6, RIICO Institutional area, Sitapura, Jaipur
  2. Parveen Kumar , Department of Civil Engineering, Poornima College of Engineering ISI-6, RIICO Institutional area, Sitapura, Jaipur

Abstract

Urban intersections are critical points of interaction between multiple road users, including cars, buses, two-wheelers, cyclists, and pedestrians. As cities continue to expand rapidly, the density and complexity of traffic at intersections increase, making them among the most dangerous segments of the roadway network. Numerous studies show that intersections account for nearly half of all urban road crashes, making them central to safety research and planning. This review paper synthesizes over a decade of scholarly work on intersection safety, examining the major risk factors, behavioral influences, geometric design challenges, operational characteristics, and crash patterns that define intersectionrelated crashes. The insights reveal how inadequate infrastructure, human limitations, and environmental influences contribute to conflict formation and collision severity. The paper further explores advanced technological solutions, safety interventions, and future research priorities that can transform urban intersections into safer, more efficient elements of transportation systems. The review integrates findings from empirical crash data analyses, simulation studies, and field-based evaluations to provide a structured understanding of intersection safety performance across diverse urban contexts. Particular attention is given to vulnerable road users, whose exposure to turning conflicts and signal violations significantly increases injury risk. By comparing traditional control strategies with innovative approaches such as adaptive signal control, smart sensing technologies, and data-driven planning frameworks, the paper highlights measurable safety improvements and implementation challenges. The synthesis ultimately offers evidence-based recommendations to guide policymakers, engineers, and urban planners in developing resilient and context-sensitive intersection designs.

Keywords

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