Wind turbines and road safety
24056
2024
Wind energy is essential for a more sustainable energy system, but finding suitable locations for wind turbines is challenging. Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, TML evaluates the road safety effects of wind turbines along highways by comparing the number of accidents at those locations with other areas.
Wind energy is important for the transition to a more sustainable energy system, but finding suitable locations for wind turbines is not easy. Wind turbines often trigger a ‘NIMBY’ reaction (‘Not In My BackYard!’) because of their visual impact on the landscape. In addition, they need to be cost-efficiently connected to the power grid and logistically accessible for construction and maintenance.
Land along motorways is often seen as suitable locations for wind turbines. However, wind turbines along roads also create potential distractions that could affect traffic safety.
Many wind turbines have been placed along motorways in recent years. With the data now available, Rijkswaterstaat wants to carry out a sound evaluation of the road safety effects of these turbines. TML is collaborating on a before-and-after study in which the evolution of accidents at locations with wind turbines is compared to the evolution elsewhere.
Wind energy is important for the transition to a more sustainable energy system, but finding suitable locations for wind turbines is not easy. Wind turbines often trigger a ‘NIMBY’ reaction (‘Not In My BackYard!’) because of their visual impact on the landscape. In addition, they need to be cost-efficiently connected to the power grid and logistically accessible for construction and maintenance.
Land along motorways is often seen as suitable locations for wind turbines. However, wind turbines along roads also create potential distractions that could affect traffic safety.
Many wind turbines have been placed along motorways in recent years. With the data now available, Rijkswaterstaat wants to carry out a sound evaluation of the road safety effects of these turbines. TML is collaborating on a before-and-after study in which the evolution of accidents at locations with wind turbines is compared to the evolution elsewhere.
