Evaluating the use of Google Maps as navigation application by identifying hazards and assessing risks using HIRA matrix

Abstract

Google Maps as a navigation application provides route information with the shortest route or fastest travel time, but this technology has a weakness as it does not consider the suitability of road condition with the type of vehicles, therefore the choice of the routes does not accommodate traffic safety aspects. This research aims to evaluate the use of Google Maps as a navigation application by identifying hazards and assessing risks. The method used is based on an analysis using the HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment) matrix to determine the level of risk thus the step of mitigation can be executed. The data source obtained was from the results of questionnaires distributed to 1,114 respondents. As the results of analysis, it was found that 11 hazards from the usage of Google Maps came from the driver’s aspect, Google Maps feature’s aspect, and road conditions aspect. Evaluation of risks came from the three sources of hazard classified into 2 risks in the intolerable risk category and 9 risks in the tolerable risk category. After the mitigation efforts were arranged to control the risk, all risks are expected to meet the acceptable risk level. To anticipate the road traffic accident due to the usage of Google Maps, the recommendation for this navigation application is to add more features to warn the users about the road characteristics in the form of voice notification or pop up if not disturb the driver while driving and providing a specific route for truck/heavy vehicle as now the Google Maps is only available for light vehicle.