Geographic information system (GIS) technology has been discussed for managing traffic accident data for years. However, its usefulness for analyzing truck accidents has not been explored extensively. Because GIS has spatial referencing and graphical display features, it would be useful to link relevant accident information to assist in information management and safety analysis. Used with other analysis technologies, GIS can help to identify factors that contribute to accidents at specific locations and to identify countermeasures. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has comprehensive electronic databases, including roadway networks, truck accident records, roadway geometry, and other relevant information, but use of this information remains at the level of database management. Integration of truck accident information into a GIS is a low-cost, high-benefit way to analyze factors that affect truck accidents and their associated mitigation measures. The analytical ability of a GIS-based truck accident information management system developed for NJDOT is presented.
Abstract