Using computer vision and machine learning to identify bus safety risk factors

In road safety research, bus crashes are particularly noteworthy because of the large number of bus passengers involved and the challenge that it puts to the road network (with the closure of multiple lanes or entire roads for hours) and the public health care system (with multiple injuries that need to be dispatched to public hospitals within a short time). The significance of improving bus safety is high in cities heavily relying on buses as a major means of public transport. The recent paradigm shifts of road design from primarily vehicle-oriented to people-oriented urge us to examine street and pedestrian behavioural factors more closely. Notably, the street envi-ronment is highly dynamic, corresponding to different times of the day. To fill this research gap, this study le-verages a rich dataset -video data from bus dashcam footage -to identify some high-risk factors for estimating the frequency of bus crashes. This research applies deep learning models and computer vision techniques and constructs a series of behavioural and street factors: pedestrian exposure factors, pedestrian jaywalking, bus stop crowding, sidewalk railing, and sharp turning locations. Important risk factors are identified, and future planning interventions are suggested. In particular, road safety administrations need to devote more efforts to improve bus safety along streets with a high volume of pedestrians, recognise the importance of protection railing in pro-tecting pedestrians during serious bus crashes, and take measures to ease bus stop crowding to prevent slight bus injuries.

Automated summary

Bus crashes in road safety research are significant due to the large number of bus passengers involved and the challenges they pose to the road network and public health care system. This study utilizes bus dashcam footage to identify high-risk factors and suggest planning interventions for improving bus safety in cities heavily reliant on buses as a major means of public transport. Key risk factors identified include pedestrian exposure factors, pedestrian jaywalking, bus stop crowding, sidewalk railing, and sharp turning locations. Road safety administrations should focus on improving bus safety on pedestrian-heavy streets, recognizing the importance of protection railing, and addressing bus stop crowding to prevent minor bus injuries.