Researching Effects of Drivers Features on Traffic Accidents: Kocaeli Model

Abstract

In addition to environmental conditions, weather conditions and density, situations related to drivers are more effective on traffic accidents, according to available data. Regarding occurrence of traffic accidents, it is observed that point of view of drivers towards traffic rules and drivers’ compliance with these rules is not parallel. It is important to research the reasons that cause this situation. A normal person’s mental state does not change without any reason at traffic. It is clear that these reasons may be significant factors that may change the attention of drivers or cause them make mistakes. Within scope of this research, most of the traffic accidents that occurred in Kocaeli between 2006-2010 have been evaluated. Information registered by Ak Sigorta was used in this regard. Total 27.375 traffic accidents were addressed for the period between 2006-2010 and related tables were produced and these accidents were evaluated accordingly. In addition, face-to-face surveys were conducted with 342 people who made accidents previously. These people were asked 22 questions on reasons of accidents and related results were evaluated with factor analysis. It was understood that 91% of said accidents were made by male drivers. 49,8% of accidents were made by drivers at the age of 18-30, while 73,5% were made by people that have a profession, 55,98% were made by people with bachelor’s degree and 58,42% were caused by the effect of other vehicles or people. People who made accidents in the past were asked 22 questions and their answers were evaluated with factor analysis. Consequently, 4 main titles were produced as follows: 1. environmental effects and acting fecklessly, 2. Problem of confidence, 3. Education and personal features, 4. Insouciance