A Study on the Effects of Factors of Traffic Accidents Caused by Frozen Urban Road Surfaces in the Winter

PURPOSES: According to accident statistics for road built in 2004, the ratio of accidents on frozen roads to normal roads is 0.9%, whereas the fatality ratio is 2.7%. The risk of accidents on frozen roads is very high. Measures taken every year to prevent traffic accidents of frozen roads in the winter season are still insufficient. Additionally, measures have been established mainly on rural roads. Therefore, for urban roads, analyses and measures to prevent accidents are lacking. In this study, data on accidents on frozen roads was used to search for the causes behind these accidents and measures to reduce accidents have been recommended. METHODS: In this study, collected data from the TAMS (Traffic Accident Management System), which were collected by the Seoul National Police Agency was used. The data were divided into vehicle, people, and condition of road. The analytical model used here was the Logistic Regression Model, which is frequently used for traffic safety and accident analysis. This study uses the odds ratio analysis to search for variables related to frozen road traffic accidents in each category. A total of 18 out of 47 variables were found to be the causes of accidents. RESULTS: From the results of the comparative analysis of 18 variables, the category of the condition of the road was found to be the most critical. Contrary to expectations, more accidents occurred in clear weather than in other conditions. Accidents on bridges occurred frequently, and its odds ratio was the highest compared with other road types. When BPT is operated, the probability of accidents on frozen roads is lower than in general conditions, and accidents occurred frequently on roads with less than four lanes. CONCLUSIONS : Based on the results of this study, suggestions for reducing the risk of future domestic road accidents in freezing conditions are indicated as follows. First, it is necessary to perform a technical review of the urban road traffic accidents caused by frozen roads. Second, it is necessary to establish criteria for the study of the road environment based on the major causes of road accidents on frozen roads. Third, improvements in urban road environmental factors should be made.