Identifying the Causes and Types of Accidents Associated with the Spatial Distribution of Black Spots in the Region of Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

Black spot distribution is a major indicator of urban traffic safety. Identifying the spatial distribution of black spots at urban centers is fundamental to understanding the causes, types, and severity of accidents. Many studies have investigated the spatial distribution of black spots worldwide. However, few studies have investigated the causes, types, and severity of accidents associated with population size, land use patterns, and prevailing traffic conditions in black spots. This study attempts to explore these associations in the black spots in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). The data was collected between 2015 and 2019 from the Traffic Police Department and the Department of Transportation of the Saudi American Oil Company. The data was analyzed using several spatial analytical techniques, including statistical and GIS-based techniques. It was found that accidents involving pedestrians caused by vehicles turning suddenly and driver distraction were the leading causes of accidents in the black spots of DMA. The study found no relationship between population size, land use pattern, and the spatial distribution of black spots. However, the prevailing traffic conditions were found to be related to the spatial distribution of black spots. The spatial distribution of black spots in DMA was related to the un-prohibition of turning right during the red light at the signalized intersections.