Factors Affecting the Number of Fatalities and Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents in Turkey

Abstract

Reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030 is the main objective of the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2020. The current study aimed to investigate the characteristics of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) that occurred between 2013 and 2022 in Turkey and the factors influencing the number of injuries and fatalities in these MVAs, to determine how close this target is. Crude data for the study was taken from the Turkish Statistical Institute's (TUIK) public website. To enable secure comparisons, these crude data were proportionately standardized for this study. Both the number of MVAs per 1,000 registered vehicles and the number of injured and deceased victims per 100,000 people in Turkey decreased after peaking in 2015. Urban regions contributed to 76.2% of the MVAs which resulted in injuries and fatalities. Males accounted for 76.9% of all fatalities, 69.4% of all injured victims, 97.7% of dead drivers, and 92.5% of injured drivers. While most injuries and deaths occurred between the ages of 25 and 64, the highest risk of death was observed among individuals aged 65 and older in comparison with the 100,000 people. Most of the fatalities and injuries in MVAs happened in August, during weekends and daylight hours. Twilight MVAs had the highest fatality risk. Automobile MVAs were the most common cause of all MVAs, injuries, and deaths. Drivers were accountable for 88.5% of the faults that caused MVAs. In Turkey, the frequency of MVAs, together with the number of injuries and fatalities sustained, continues to be comparatively high. Therefore, a road safety committee should be established, and an emergency action plan for safe road vehicle traffic in Turkey should be designed. © 2024, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.