Traffic danger isn’t just about crashes—it’s about where people feel unsafe, where they avoid walking, and where poor street design threatens lives. The combination of traffic hazard (the level of potential harm) with exposure (the number of people using the space) is what results in different levels of crash severity. Developed through a robust Multi-Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA) approach, the Traffic Hazard Tool provides a validated, data-driven way to measure and map traffic hazard across both street segments and intersections (example application in Montreal) in Montreal. This tool empowers planners, researchers, and the public to take a proactive approach to street safety with transparency and evidence rather than waiting for crashes before deciding /acknowledging that something is dangerous.
Developed through consultation with transportation engineers, urban planners, public health professionals, parents, children and community members
Hazard scores are mapped in an intuitive GIS platform, making results easy to interpret and use
Achieved over 90% alignment with expert rankings during the validation process.
Built using a fully documented MCDA process. All criteria, weights, and decision logic are accessible and adaptable.
Uses traffic and design characteristics , presence of heavy vehicle , Land use , Pedestrian visibility, and behavioral indicators.
The tool is adaptable to other cities—just update the data and adjust weights if needed.
The Traffic Hazard Tool is a decision-support application that identifies, evaluates, and visualizes traffic danger at both street and intersection levels in urban areas. It is built through a two-part MCDA model using the MACBETH method, combining expert and community input with GIS spatial analysis to calculate hazard scores.
The Traffic Hazard Tool is based on a two-part MCDA framework:
Street Segment-Level Hazard Model:
Assesses street segments based on six criteria:
Evaluates different intersections using seven criteria:
Each model was developed using the MACBETH MCDA method, with contributions from experts in transportation, public health, and urban design. Scores are validated and visualized through the GIS platform.
Interactive Hazard Map for selected neighborhood at City of Montreal
Adding Filter by hazard level, borough, or street type