The Impact of High-Altitude Winter Conditions on Traffic Accidents: An Analysis of Temporal and Climatic Factors in the Case of Erzurum Province


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Öztaş S., Sancar Y.

22th International Istanbul Scientific Research Congress on Life, Engineering, Architecture, and Mathematical Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye, 20 - 22 Ağustos 2025, ss.197-207, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

Özet

This study investigates the impact of high-altitude winter conditions on traffic accidents in Erzurum Province, Turkey, where harsh winters and challenging topography significantly affect road safety. Using a dataset of 16,793 traffic accident records from 2014 to 2023, temporal parameters (year, month, daylight), climatic parameters (weather condition, road surface condition, lighting condition), and accident outcomes (fatalities and injuries) were analyzed. Data preprocessing involved removing incomplete or erroneous records and generating an accident severity index. Statistical methods, including one-way and two-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression, were applied to identify the effects of seasonal and environmental factors on accident severity. The results indicate that snowfall, slippery road surfaces, and insufficient lighting are the primary contributors to severe accidents, whereas nighttime driving alone was not statistically significant. Interaction effects such as Month × Weather Condition and Lighting × Daylight Condition highlight that accident risks are better explained when environmental and temporal factors are considered together. These findings emphasize the importance of proactive road maintenance, snow and ice removal, and lighting improvements to enhance traffic safety in high-altitude regions. Future research should incorporate real-time weather data, traffic volume, and advanced predictive models, such as ensemble or deep learning techniques, to develop comprehensive accident prevention strategies.