Journey optimisation by safest route: factoring safety into vehicle routing
Keywords: Road Safety Programs
ACRS
Submission Date: 2015 Conference: ARSC
Abstract
Efficient routing of private and commercial vehicles is valued for saving travel time and reducing vehicle running costs. Employers must also consider the safety of their staff while on the road, and many implement policies that support safe driver behaviours and the use of safe vehicles. To date there has been little research into the integration of both routing and safety – allowing road users to choose the safest, in addition to the shortest or quickest routes._x000D_
This paper outlines a research project, undertaken through a Callaghan Innovation Student Experience Grant, which investigated how road risk assessment methodologies can be incorporated into a vehicle routing model. Two methodologies for calculating, predicting and quantifying crashes and road safety were examined and tested for the Greater Auckland Region: predictive crash models from the NZ Transport Agency’s Economic Evaluation Manual, and reactive crash models based on the Urban KiwiRAP risk assessment method. _x000D_
The project was developed using geographic information systems (GIS), specifically ArcGIS Network Analyst. The output of the trial was an interactive website that allows for users to choose and weight three routing variables: travel time, distance and safety. The route that best meets the chosen priorities is then calculated and displayed on screen. _x000D_
This project demonstrates potential for safety-based vehicle routing and supports a safe system approach to managing the road safety risk associated with work-related driving. The next step is to explore the commercial opportunities from this research, including partnerships with interested public bodies and commercial vehicle routing services_x000D_