With Karl Kim and Lawrence Nitz of the University of Hawaii, we developed a GIS/spatial analysis framework for motor vehicle accident analysis. The framework involves a methodology for geocoding accidents to the nearest intersection, tools for describing the spatial variations in accidents, and a model predicting the number of accidents by zones.

We applied the framework to all Honolulu motor vehicle accidents for 1990 and 1991. The geocoding methodology was successful in matching over 98% of the accident locations. We developed a program for analyzing spatial variation in accidents - Hawaii Pointstat, and were able to show systematic variations in accidents by hour of the day, by weekday or weekend, by type of crash, by the number of vehicles, and other characteristics.

Finally, we developed a model linking accidents to the population of the zone, five types of employment, three types of road characteristics, and unique land use characteristics, and ran the model for every hour of the day. The framework is useful for local and regional government agencies and can allow for the integration of traffic safety with community and land use planning efforts.

Here is a map from the study.

Publications

• Ned Levine and Karl E. Kim, "The spatial location of motor vehicle accidents: A methodology for geocoding intersections", Computers, Environment, and Urban Systems. 1999, 22(6):557-576.
  

• Karl E. Kim and Ned Levine, "Using GIS to improve highway safety", Computers, Environment, and Urban Systems. 1996, 20 (4/5): 289-302.

• Ned Levine, "Spatial statistics and GIS: Software tools to quantify spatial patterns", Journal of the American Planning Association. 1996, 62 (3): 381-392.

• Ned Levine, Karl E. Kim, and Lawrence H. Nitz, "Daily fluctuations in Honolulu motor vehicle accidents", Accident Analysis & Prevention. 1995, 27 (6), 785-796.
  

• Ned Levine, Karl E. Kim, and Lawrence H. Nitz, "Spatial analysis of Honolulu motor vehicle crashes: I. Spatial patterns", Accident Analysis & Prevention. 1995, 27 (5): 663-674.
  

• Ned Levine, Karl E. Kim, and Lawrence H. Nitz, "Spatial analysis of Honolulu motor vehicle crashes: II. Generators of crashes", Accident Analysis & Prevention. 1995, 27 (5): 675-685.
  

• Karl E. Kim, Ned Levine, and Lawrence H. Nitz, "Development of a prototype traffic safety geographic information system", Transportation Research Record 1477. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. 1995, 41-47.