A new approach for GIS-supported mapping of traffic accidents

Abstract

The use of geographic information systems (GIS) is the most effective way of examining and evaluating the results of analyses which use a multitude of data and different criteria. GIS is a tool with which many types of data can be analysed and it can be used to evaluate traffic accidents and map out the most dangerous places or segments of road on a highway according to traffic accident data from previous years. In researching the reasons for traffic accidents, several statistical methods can be used to determine the most critical points, referred to as hot spots, where traffic accidents happen frequently. Traffic accident causes and consequences are not limited to the point at which the accident occurs. Since the hot spot concept was first used in accident analysis, many methods of detecting hot spots have been described in the literature. In this study, instead of using the classic methods of hot spot detection, the hot pieces (HPCS) method has been used to determine the critical stretches of road where the accidents happen. The probable hot spots (PRHS) process aims to anticipate the critical points. Both HPCS and PRHS have the same importance. Whereas HPCS evaluates the road in lengths to determine the dangerous zones, PRHS identifies risky candidate points which may become hot spots in the near future. The main purpose of the study was the analysis of traffic accidents which occurred in Konya, to identify causal factors and take action to reduce future accidents. To establish the feasibility of the project, data were collected on traffic accidents occurring on the highways and junctions of the central roads of Konya city during the last 10 years. Some reconstruction applications and temporal precautions based on statistical results and related prediction maps are suggested to prevent traffic accidents in Konya.