An Urban Traffic Risk Assessment Using TOPSIS Method Based on Driving and Road Information

Road traffic safety influences people’s lives and properties. Safety evaluations should not only consider whether an accident happens, but also the potential risks. This paper develops a traffic risk index (TRI) for evaluating the potential risks on urban roads during a specific period. Features are extracted from driving data offered by navigation corporations, then categorized by road class and road type based on the significance analysis. The index is calculated using the TOPSIS method. The results show the different TRI distribution based on urban road classes and types. We also present a time-varying risk map and the correlation with accident frequency. This study can help to assess and predict urban road traffic risks, as well as providing references for personal drivers and relevant policy-making of the traffic management department to prevent road traffic accidents.