GIS Analysis and Evaluation of Speed Characteristics Causing Crash Accidents in Eastern Province, KSA

Abstract

Abstract. Many people in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA are suffering because of road accidents in spite of huge efforts to reduce fatalities.  A recent study revealed that the most prominent factors leading to road accidents were incorrect behavior by the vehicle driver, failure to follow the regulations and continuous violations. Excessive speed ranks second in the causes of fatal traffic accidents, while crossing a red signal is the third factor. This paper presents the results of an evaluation and analysis of speed at different selected locations in Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out along two major corridors in Eastern province: GCC and King Fahd highways. 88 site locations were studied thoroughly. The results showed that speed problems exist in some locations. The 85th percentile speeds were used to assess the drivers complains with posted speed. It was found that the percentage of drivers exceeding the posted speed varied according to the location. In some locations it exceeded 20% on average. The results showed that, based on the limited collected data, the posted speed in some locations may not be appropriate. The GIS analysis revealed that in the locations of high speed there is a high percentage of accidents.