Abstract
Achieving smart and intelligent transportation requires the use of millions of devices which generate a huge volume of data, termed as Big Data. With the flourishing of Big Data analytics, intelligent transportation management and control is now becoming more data driven. Big data can provide ample information obtained from vehicles, traffic infrastructure, smart phones and weather stations. Such data has promising applications in intelligent transportation systems, especially in the road safety sector. In particular, utilizing Big Data analytics assesses accident prevention and detection, thereby reducing causalities, loses and damage. This survey paper explores the role of big data in shaping the intelligent transportation systems with a focus on the road safety sector. In addition, the limitations of existing studies are discussed and future research directions are suggested.