Open Access

ARTICLE

Evaluating Geographical Variations of Road Traffic Accidents in Matara, Sri Lanka: A Geospatial Perspective to Policy Decisions

Buddhini Chaturika Jayasinghe¹, Neel Chaminda Withanage¹, Prabuddh Kumar Mishra^2,*

1 Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Wellamadama, Matara, 81000, Sri Lanka
2 Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110027, India

* Corresponding Author: Prabuddh Kumar Mishra. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Resource and Environmental Information Modeling)

Revue Internationale de Géomatique 2025, 34, 707-729. https://doi.org/10.32604/rig.2025.067395

Received 02 May 2025; Accepted 18 August 2025; Issue published 12 September 2025

Abstract

Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) pose significant threats to public safety and urban infrastructure. While numerous studies have addressed this issue in other countries, there remains a notable gap in localized RTA research in Sri Lanka. In this context, the present study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of RTAs in the Matara urban area in 2023, with the goal of supporting evidence-based policy interventions. A suite of GIS-based spatial analysis techniques including hotspot analysis, kernel density estimation, GiZscore mapping, and spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I = 0.36, p < 0.01) was applied to examine the distribution and contributing factors of RTAs. The results identified several high-risk zones, particularly along the Colombo–Wellawaya main road, as well as near the southern expressway exit, and around Rahula Junction, which collectively accounted for over 40% of all recorded accidents. These areas are characterized by high traffic volumes, complex road geometries, and significant pedestrian activity. Driver-related behaviors were dominant causes, with negligence accounting for 57% of accidents, aggressive driving for 14%, and alcohol influence for 8%. Temporally, the highest incidence of RTAs (38%) was recorded during the afternoon peak hours (11:00 a.m. to 4:59 p.m.). Based on these findings, targeted policy measures such as enhanced traffic enforcement, infrastructure redesign, and public awareness campaigns are recommended to reduce accident frequency and improve road safety in high-risk areas. This study provides a localized, data-driven framework that can guide urban traffic planning and safety interventions in Matara and similar urban settings.

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Keywords

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