Reducing risk in road network traversal using past road accident data

Abstract

Road Accidents are a global problem which has been on the rise over the past years. With the cycle of urbanization around the world, traffic injuries have risen exponentially in recent decades, causing significant losses of life and property [1]. Thus, this project aims to find ways with which Malta's reported road accident data could be employed to uncover patterns and diminish the risk on the road. Data from police and warden's accident reports was cleaned, processed and investigated to create a picture of the risky and hazardous roads in Malta with the use of an interactive map. This research focuses on identifying patterns of road collisions that may lead to an increased risk on the road. It was discovered that those roads that undergo the most traffic congestion have a higher probability of collisions without injury rather than accidents with injuries. Additionally, it was also evident that those roads that have a low number of collisions can still be considered as dangerous roads. Indeed, results showed that Gozo’s roads are more dangerous in terms of injury loss and cost when compared with Malta. This suggests that one of the leading causes of injury is speeding due to lack of traffic.