Discussing the Role of Traffic Safety in Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans Using Spatial Analysis Techniques

In recent years, EU has placed great importance on the safety of road users (real and perceived). In this context today in Greece, around 180 municipalities are implementing SUMPs for first time and therefore a primary identification of the hazardous points is made through the mapping of traffic incidents. This article presents the results of the mapping of traffic accidents in five metropolitan municipalities of Attica (Athens, Piraeus, Marousi, Kifisia, Chalandri), and their analysis using GIS tools. Network kernel density analysis was performed to determine the spots where a high concentration of severe accidents appeared, as well as spatial autocorrelation using Moran index and Hot-Spot Analysis in terms of time, driver’s age and type of vehicle involved. The results indicate the hazardous points in the study areas and their particular characteristics. Finally, it is noted that the aforementioned analysis can contribute to the design of feasible solutions in order to improve road safety and at the same time, create a safe and sustainable transport system in each of the study cities.