Analysis of factors influencing traffic accidents : a case study of Tiruchirappalli city

Road safety is a major concern in many developing countries including India. Road accidents are responsible for an increase in deaths and disability throughout the world. Road accidents lead to loss of life, property and affect the general welfare of the people and the economy. India accounts for 10% of global road accidents and has the highest death rate in the world. In India, traffic fatalities have increased by 4.6% from 2014 to 2015. The analysis of road accident data reveals that about 57 accidents and 17 deaths take place every hour on an average in Indian roads. Road accidents have been increasing alarmingly in Tamil Nadu, being a major state contributing to total no. of accidents in India. Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of road accidents in 2015 sharing about 13.8% of the total accidents in the country. Tamil Nadu accounts for about 10.7% and 15.9% of total road fatalities and injury accidents in the entire country. Tamil Nadu ranked second highest and first in the country for fatalities and minor injury accidents. A case study of Tiruchirappalli city is considered for the present study. Tiruchirappalli city is situated at the geographical center of Tamil Nadu. Every year, a number of people are killed or injured due to road accidents. In Tiruchirappalli between the year 2010 and 2015, about 924 fatal accidents were reported and 974 people were killed due to road accidents. Hence, it is essential to find solutions to mitigate the problem. Road accidents are influenced by many factors such as traffic flow, geometric design of road sections, horizontal curvature, vertical grade, lane width, and shoulder width etc. Predicting the exact cause for the road accident is complex. Studies were done relating the factors like traffic volume, speed, road characteristics, road geometrics etc., with the road accidents. This study focuses on analysing road accident data and the relationship between various factors influencing road accidents so that suitable accident remedial measures can be suggested to enhance road safety