Prediction of Traffic Incident Locations with a Geohash-Based Model Using Machine Learning Algorithms

This paper presents a novel geohash-based approach for predicting traffic incident locations using machine learning algorithms. The study utilized a three-stage model for predicting the locations of traffic incidents, which encompassed accidents, breakdowns, and other incidents. In the model, firstly, ArcGIS was used to convert the coordinates of traffic incidents into geohash areas, leading to the definition of incident locations. Secondly, variables affecting traffic incidents were extracted, and a dataset was created by utilizing the values of these variables in geohash fields. Finally, machine learning algorithms such as decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used to predict the geohash region of traffic incidents. After conducting hyperparameter optimization, we evaluated the efficacy of various machine learning algorithms in predicting the location of traffic incidents using different evaluation metrics. Our findings indicate that the RF, SVM, and DT models performed the best, with accuracy percentages of 91%, 88%, and 87%, respectively. The findings of the research revealed that traffic incident locations can be successfully predicted with the geohash-based forecasting model. The results offer traffic managers and emergency responders new perspectives on how to manage traffic incidents more effectively and improve drivers’ safety.