Traffic congestion caused by road collapse is a recognized issue, but its full economic impact is often underestimated. A new study by Professor Becky Lu and Ting Lian of the University of Hong Kong shed light on the cost of travel delays caused by traffic accidents. The study was published in Transportation Research Communicationsa new method of measuring these delays using taxi GPS data, a navigation technology that tracks vehicle locations, and an open source spatial dataset are introduced.
Professors Loo and Professor Lian analyze travel delays by comparing typical speeds in affected road segments. Their study combines a statistical analysis method, an approach that studies data patterns and relationships, taking into account various factors such as collapse characteristics, route network characteristics such as intersection points, lane width and traffic flow patterns, and urban environments. “The results of the study show that collision characteristics alone are not sufficient to explain the changes in delays,” Professor Loo explained. “We can only see the development of delays after integrating factors related to urban infrastructure and dynamic road conditions.”
The study estimates that in 2021, the traffic crash in Hong Kong caused a total delay of 713,877 hours. This is equivalent to the economic losses of about $11.02 million in the United States, referring to the financial losses of 11.02 million in the United States due to wasted time and fuel, indicating that the financial impact of traffic congestion caused by the crash is huge. The researchers stressed that delays extend beyond the direct crash site, which usually affects the distance of the upstream section, with a maximum of one kilometer.
Professor Loo and her team found that factors such as road type, surrounding business activities and traffic speed can affect the extent of travel delays. Interestingly, this study shows that busy urban areas have good roads experiencing longer delays. In addition, pedestrian volumes near the crash site are also associated with greater congestion, highlighting the need for better traffic management strategies, including measures such as signal timing adjustments and alternative route planning to alleviate congestion in densely populated areas.
In addition to quantitative delays, the study provides policy makers with a clear approach to developing targeted strategies to reduce traffic congestion. “Our model allows urban planners to identify hot spots that result in maximum delays in crashes and implement countermeasures accordingly,” Lian noted. By improving emergency times and optimizing traffic flow in key areas, authorities can reduce the ripple effect of road crashes on urban mobility.
The findings of Professor Loo and Lian’s research highlight the widespread social impact of road collapse, beyond the harm and death of economic and infrastructure consequences. As cities continue to cope with traffic congestion, integrating information based on real-world data into transportation plans may pave the way for a more efficient and resilient urban road network.
Journal Reference
Ting Lian, Becky Py loo. “The cost of travel delays caused by traffic accidents.” Transportation Research Communications2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commtr.2024.100124
About the Author
Becky Py Loo He is a professor of geography at the University of Hong Kong. She is a member of the British Academy of Social Sciences. She served as Chairman Zhang Jiang of the Ministry of Education of China. Becky holds an honorary professorship position in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering at the University College London (UCL). She also held honorary professorship positions at the School of Economics and Management, Peking University, Beijing, China. Her core research interests are I) transit, walking and urban forms; ii) road safety and spatial analysis; iii) sustainability and transport decarbonization; and iv) smart cities. She is creating editor-in-chief Travel behavior and society. Becky has a strong track record in international research collaboration, research evaluation, quality assurance and leadership, and has served as department head, associate dean of faculty and staff and director of university-level institutes. With her expertise and solid contribution to local society, she has been awarded the Judge of Peace (JP) by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Becky is committed to fostering human-oriented, locally-based interdisciplinary research. Her courses are available at www.bpyloo.hku.hk.
Ting Lian He is a doctoral student in the Department of Geography of the University of Hong Kong. Her research focuses on urban transportation, focusing on improving the efficiency and flexibility of transportation systems while prioritizing the convenience, safety and equality of various user groups. Ting has a strong background in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), combining spatial analysis, traditional transportation theory and advanced approaches to address pressing urban transportation challenges. Her work aims to inform smarter transportation management and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable urban planning strategies that promote stronger connections between people and places.
