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)
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.