The method of optimal route selection in road transport of dangerous goods

Abstract

Abstract Dangerous goods such as: liquid fuels, chlorine, ammonia, gases, corrosives, radioactive material, toxic and other substances are being transported by road in Poland on a daily basis. ‘Dangerous goods’ are materials or items with hazardous properties which, if not properly controlled, present a potential hazard to human health and safety, infrastructure and or their means of transport. However, from year to year a systematic growth of accidents of the substances mentioned has been observed. It is estimated that several hundred traffic collisions, involving vehicles carrying hazardous goods, are being registered. Those accidents lead to spills penetrating into the soil, groundwater and watercourses, causing degradation of biological life. Therefore, the question of safety is an important problem that must be faced by senders, recipients and transport companies. One way of improving safety conditions is risk assessment. Therefore, in the article present the method of selection model of road transportation of dangerous goods. The model generates routes that are optimal from the perspective of risk and losses minimization. In addition, the paper adopts the results of simulation research selected delivery routes in Poland, with the use of the Breadth First Search algorithm (BFS) and proprietary application called the Safest Path Finder.