Safety classification using GIS in decision-making process to define priority road interventions

• Published in: Journal of transport geography 2015-02, Vol.43, p.101-110
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Daniel Souto, Ribeiro, Paulo Jorge Gomes, da Silva Nogueira, Isabel Cristina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Decision-making process; GIS; Priority road interventions; Road accidents severity; Safety classification
• ISSN: 0966-6923; 1873-1236
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2015.01.007

•A model for road network classification based on traffic accidents is presented.•Multicriteria techniques are used to obtain a Road Safety Indicator.•The model integration in GIS works as a tool to support the planning of interventions.•The application of the model allows to analyze the spatial coverage of accidents.•The classification of the road network helps to set priorities for future investments. Given the current economic situation of the Portuguese municipalities, it is necessary to identify the priority investments in order to achieve a more efficient financial management. The classification of the road network of the municipality according to the occurrence of traffic accidents is fundamental to set priorities for road interventions. This paper presents a model for road network classification based on traffic accidents integrated in a geographic information system. Its practical application was developed through a case study in the municipality of Barcelos. An equation was defined to obtain a road safety index through the combination of the following indicators: severity, property damage only and accident costs. In addition to the road network classification, the application of the model allows to analyze the spatial coverage of accidents in order to determine the centrality and dispersion of the locations with the highest incidence of road accidents. This analysis can be further refined according to the nature of the accidents namely in collision, runoff and pedestrian crashes.