Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Road Accident Incidents and Delineation of Hotspots Using Geospatial Tools in Thrissur District, Kerala, India

• Published in: Kartographische Nachrichten Vol. 69; no. 4; pp. 255 - 265
• Main Authors: Achu, Ashokan Laila, Aju, C. D., Suresh, Vipin, Manoharan, Thushara P., Reghunath, Rajesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.12.2019
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Geographical Information Systems/Cartography; Geography; Human Geography; Natural Hazards; Visualization; Web Development; Road accident hotspots; Spatio-temporal clustering; Moran’s I; Spatial autocorrelation; Getis-Ord Gi; Kernel density functions
• ISSN: 2524-4957; 2524-4965
• DOI: 10.1007/s42489-019-00031-1

Accidents are distressing experiences which affect physical, psychological, and social welfare of clans. Road accident fatalities are increasing in Kerala due to the traffic congestions and increase in both population and number of vehicles. The present study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of the road accidents from 2013 to 2015 in Thrissur district, Kerala using geospatial technology. Assessment of spatio-temporal clustering of road accidents was carried out using Moran’s I method of spatial autocorrelation, Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis, and Kernel density functions. The year wise total accidents show a clustered pattern, whereas the spatio-temporal breakup of events shows random and clustered distribution in certain classes. The continuous road stretches and isolated zones of hotspots and cold spots were delineated by the Kernel density surface using the results of Getis-Ord Gi* hotspots analysis. Four major road segments such as National highway near Kodungallur to Althara stretch, Thrissur town to Perumpilav stretch via Kunnamangalam, Thrissur town to Vadanappally segment, and Guruvayur to kunnamangalam stretch are identified as highly clustered accident hotspots. The results of this study can be effectively used by local self-governments, police departments, as well as national agencies for implementing better road safety policies in the accident hotspots stretches.