ROAD ACCIDENT ANALYSIS ? A VISUAL APPROACH

Vicroads currently utilizes an analysis approach that identifies and graphically maps worst sections of roads (blacklengths) by accidents/kilometre/year as well as worst areas (blackareas) by accidents/square kilometer/year. This concept was described by Walker/Sliogeris (1). This produces maps and listings used for identifying and targeting problem areas and sections of roads for further investigation. This system utilizes the SAS system software. A further extension of this idea is to view and analyse the accident data directly on the road system using a GIS tool (SAS/GIS) to target problem areas and produce reports and more detailed data. Once the accident data is setup the abilities to explore and manipulate the data become much more flexible and powerful than non visual techniques. This will be demonstrated using data from the Victorian Road Network and using SAS system software.