Head of research group: Harry Lahrmann

Research focus

The Traffic Research Group's research area is broad within transport and mobility: from road construction to the long-term health and life consequences of traffic accidents for accident victims. Methodologically, we focus on applied research. This can be the design and testing of modifications to the road design and/or road elements, randomised trials, observational studies or analysis of large amounts of data, but we also work with document studies, interviews and surveys. Finally, we engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with others - both inside and outside AAU - on the development of software for use in the road and traffic sector.

Research efforts

Over the years, the group has been involved in a large number of research projects both in Denmark and abroad. Currently, the group's main research areas include:

Traffic safety

The dark figures of road accidents

This area is currently the largest part of the group's research portfolio. We are running several projects where, through self-reporting of accidents by accident victims, we are trying to clarify the extent of the dark figure, the real development in the number of road accidents, the consequences of hidden accidents, and develop self-reporting of accidents as a method - including determining validity and reliability.

Web-based learning for better traffic safety

This area is about using carrots and sticks (rewards vs. punishment) for traffic offences.

The Danish Road Safety Commission

Our group represents AAU in the Danish Road Safety Commission and from this position contributes to translating the group's research into initiatives for better traffic safety.

Research partners

In our research, we collaborate with colleagues from both Denmark and Europe and have participated in several EU-funded research projects. But we also focus on interdisciplinary collaboration at AAU, together with e.g. the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Medicine and Health Technology and the Department of Sociology and Social Work. Previously, we have collaborated with the Department of Sustainability and Planning, and the Department of Architecture and Media Technology. Finally, we collaborate with the entire road and traffic sector in Denmark - both public authorities and private companies.

Communicating to the media

Traffic is a popular topic in the public debate, and we prioritise dialogue with the press within our areas of expertise. Between 2012 and 2024, the AAU press count has registered more than 550 media contributions from the Traffic Research Group has contributed.

Traffic Days at Aalborg University

Since 1994, the Traffic Research Group has organised the annual Traffic Days conference at Aalborg University in August. Each year with more than 300 participants and often with the Minister of Transport and leading politicians on the participant list.