Analysis of Traffic Accidents Using Hazard Index Method: Case of Denizli

Abstract

Traffic accidents that occur as a result of a combination of many factors are complex and difficult issue. Although many studies are carried out in order to reduce the number of traffic accidents in urban transportation networks, exactly prevention of traffic accidents which arise from human and environmental factors is impossible. Therefore, especially in the urban transportation networks, determining links which have an accident risk and taking required measures are very important. In this study, the hazard index has been used to determine links which have an accident risk. Transportation network which contains high traffic volume regions in Denizli has been selected as study area. In this network, data were collected to be used in the hazard index, hazard indexes were calculated for links and risk grading was conducted. Morning and evening peak hour speed and traffic volume surveys were carried out in order to be used in analyses. Results showed that hazard index method can be used in traffic accident risk analysis and it is determined that hazard index method can be used to form a basis for future studies about decreasing the number of traffic accidents.