Analysis of traffic injury statistics for 2021 and 2022 in the Irkutsk region

Abstract

In the article, a comparative analysis of the total indicators of traffic accidents on the Irkutsk highways is given according to the statistics of the State traffic inspectorate for 10 and 11 months of 2021 and 2022. In 2022, there is a decrease in the main indicators of road traffic injuries, including children. Factors, causes and conditions influencing traumatism are revealed. It is confirmed that the dynamics of the number of road accidents and deaths is seasonal. 45,4 % of accidents occurred due to the poor condition of the Irkutsk highways. It is shown that in 2022 on the Irkutsk highways, drivers die in 41,6 % of fatal accidents, passengers in 30,6 %, and pedestrians in 25,2 %.  In 2022, the number of accidents with other traffic participants dead has increased significantly.The severity coefficient in terms of the number of incidents increased by 2,3 times. The largest number of deaths in accidents occurred in April, May and July. The peak of mortality was observed in July 2022. However, over the indicated period of time, the total number of deaths in accidents (243 people) in 2022 decreased by 1,16 times, and the total number of injured decreased by 2,31 times and decreased to 1 193 people. The peak of the number of incidents (16,45 %) and the number of people injured in them (17,8 %) falls on Saturday. The minimum number of deaths (9,1 %) as a result of the implementation of the incident on Wednesday, but they have severe consequences with a severity coefficient of 0,1434. The largest number of accidents (26,6 %) occurs from 17:00 to 21:00, which is explained by the increase in traffic intensity at the end of the working day and the onset of twilight. It should be added that 29,8 % of accidents occur during the hours of darkness. Critical time intervals of the day during which incidents with serious consequences occur: from 2 to 3 hours (severity coefficient is 0,2667, in the same period last year is –38.67%), from 3 to 4 hours (severity coefficient is 0,280, in the same period last year is – 22,22 %) and from 5 to 6 hours (severity coefficient is 0,2727, the same period last year is 13,64 %). Pedestrian collisions accounted for 28,3 % of the total number of accidents, of which 32,8 % occurred at night. In 43,9 % of accidents, pedestrians themselves are guilty, in 54,9% – drivers are. The most significant types of incidents were: vehicle collisions (39,67 %), pedestrian collisions (28,36 %). Compared to 2021, collisions have become more frequent: 1,09 times for a standing vehicle, 1,12 times for an obstacle, and 1,12 times for crossings. The technical malfunction of machines has significantly decreased (in the same period last year is –82,12 %). The main cause of accidents on the Irkutsk roads is the violation of traffic rules by drivers (83,4 % of accidents). Most often, the rules are violated by drivers of cars (78,31 %) and trucks (9,14 %). Moreover, 14,4 % and 8,97 % of the drivers respectively were in a state of intoxication.