Rule-Based Model for Traffic Accident Visualization and Analysis

This research develops and tests a computerized model for intersection accident data visualization and analysis. The model implemented a rule-based visualization module that automatically constructs the collision diagram according to traffic flow conflicts, where accident characteristics can be analyzed either individually or collectively. A data acquisition module was developed for accessing accident databases maintained in state transportation and public safety departments. Using a local database management system as part of the model, the user can select to analyze any accident data through Structured Query Language statements. In addition, this model has implemented a data analysis and graphing module for comparing similarities and identifying differences in accident data and for presenting the results of the analysis through charts and tables. The model was tested with accident data obtained from the Ohio Department of Public Safety in a number of scenario studies, and some of them were presented in this paper as examples. Because the model is very time efficient and user friendly, it can be developed into an effective engineering tool for field applications.