Applying spatial data modelling techniques and machine learning algorithms to road injury data for increased pedestrian safety

Abstract

Many recognise the importance of active mobility and its significance in maintaining good health. Active mobility has also been recognised nationally as an important component of safe pedestrian travel. However, pedestrians still risk injury when travelling on foot close to vehicles. In the local case of Malta, action is being taken by Local Councils to promote car-free travel opportunities by restricting motor access to city centers by implementing 'Slow Streets' incentives. On an Eco-social scale, the exponential rise of nationally registered vehicles may soon outnumber citizens. Hence, development in this field may contribute to better planning and synergy of all road users. Given various traffic mitigation efforts, roadside accidents have become recurrent; in the first four months of 2022, there were 12 motorway fatalities, of which 5 were pedestrian cases in collision with a vehicle. This study addresses the roadside incident rate faced by pedestrians and motorists by investigating collision severity and infrastructural points of interest that may contribute to the injury rate. This will be achieved by modelling the road traffic network and other related features such as; road safety infrastructures, attractions and points of interest. The scope is to derive visualisations and identifying analytic techniques to further the domain of GIS and ultimately allow for a more comprehensive investigation of injury trends. In addition, the analysis, techniques and technologies applied in the experimentation part of the study could shed light on the means of applying analysis to traffic injury data to assist in planning and hazard mitigation. It is hoped that this study helps draw the interest of all stakeholders such as the government, whose efforts are certainly a step in the right direction. Ultimately, there could be a lot more done to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety worldwide. This can only be achieved by educating the public; making them aware of the dangers that exist. The information derived can also help pedestrians by providing a source of statistics on areas and environmental trends which they may want to consider. This would, in turn, safeguard road users.