FORMAL SCIENTIFIC-RESEARCH OF TRAFFIC COLLISION DATA UTILIZING GIS

This paper explores the tenuous link between speeding behavior and acc ident causation, one that has not been well established in the interna tional literature to date. Taking advantage of established engineering conventions and formulae, we were able to set up an a priori hypothes is suitable for testing. Utilizing this formal scientific method (whic h GIS researchers have been criticised for not using) we establish a s tatistical link for this relationship. Our methodology can be used to support all police intervention strategies, including the controversia l photo radar systems. The results from our research have been entered into a GIS in order to create a map for spatial display. This map ill ustrates the relative probability or risk of collision occurrence resu lting from speeding at all intersections and interchanges within the s cope of the study. It is suggested that this methodology could easily be maintained with periodic updates of data, thus creating a dynamic m odel from which to monitor traffic safety within the city. Furthermore , this model can be utilized to study specific strategies, allowing fo r the scrutiny of before, during and after effects. The study area is the entire city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and includes all traffic collisions occurring during the year of 1994.