Location of Car Accidents Using GPS

VARS Brno plays a significant role in the unique INFOBESI (Traffic Safety Decision Information System) that includes  location of car accidents by the Czech Police using Global Positioning system (GPS). The acquired data will enable for identification of places where accidents offten happen and finding measures for reducing/eliminating the accident risk rate. For example, in tree crash accidents almost 200 people die each year in the Czech Republic.

Over 200 Police stations in the Czech Republic perform car accidents location at the accident scene. Pilot testing of the location has started in autumn 2005 at the Benesov district Police office. In early 2006, the system was engaged in all car accident offices in the Czech Republic. In future, the system shall be used by integrated rescue forces as well.

The solution is based on a GIS (Geographic Information system). All car accident data registered by field crews of Police is passed on to analysis department of the Traffic Research Center. Additional data come from Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic database in Ostrava.

The INFOBESI system utilizes a complex view of car accident rate reduction. It reveals high-risk places on the roads, provides means to model the accident scenes, and provides streamlined data necessary for identification of accident place characteristics.

Based on car accident frequency analysis in various locations, the system suggests suitable low cost anti-accident actions to be taken.

Each accident place is evaluated from financial point of view (i. e. economic losses calculated). These calculations include material damages and social consequences, i. e. the healthcare expences related to any injuries. For example, average value of  a single human life lost in a car accident is as high as CZK 10 million.

The INFOBESI system provides also a feedback including economic profits resulting from the installed anti-accident measures.

As the INFOBESI system has been developed as a public service, all the data on analyzed and updated localities will be published on the Internet. This way, the entire solution will remain open and transparent.