Analysis of Accident Sites from Motorcycles among High School Students Using Geographic Information Systems, Sukhothai Province

Abstract

Road accidents are a major global problem, especially accidents from riding a motorcycle, as these affect both human life and property. Therefore, identifying accident sites is important for accident prevention. This study aimed to analyze the density of accident sites involving motorcycles among high school students in 2019 by using Geographic Information System data (GIS) in Sukhothai Province. In the study, in-depth interviews were used with respondents, including high school students who had accidents on motorcycles, and traffic police officers who were responsible for investigating accidents in schools. In addition, reports of accident sites were used to arrange GIS data layers and analyze the density of the accident sites using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). The study results revealed that accidents occurred at 217 accident sites in the study area. The map of accident sites and density was created by using GIS data. The areas with accidents in heavy traffic were the roads in the three main districts: Mueang, Si Samrong, and Sawankhalok. Regarding the analysis, accidents were caused by fast cut-off riding, narrow road shoulders, and road users’ non-compliance with traffic regulations. The study results were submitted to traffic authorities, schools, departments responsible for rural roads, and local government organizations, and used for planning and developing models to prevent traffic accidents involving motorcycles among high school students through the student council.