A study of traffic accidents on the main roads of Al Qubbah Municipality (Case study: The southern road of Al Qubbah city, State of Libya)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze and examine the variables that most significantly influence traffic accidents on the main roads of Al-Qubbah Municipality (south of Al-Qubbah city). Data were collected from the official records of the Al-Qubbah Security Directorate during the period from 2015 to 2023, as well as annual reports from the General Directorate of Traffic in Tripoli from 2017 to 2021. The stepwise regression method was used, where the independent variables were the factors affecting accidents, namely weather, speed, time period, and road characteristics. The dependent variable was the number of accidents per year. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used as the first scenario, and instantaneous speeds were studied during different time periods and in dry and wet weather conditions on the road using the stopwatch method as the second scenario. The data analysis for the first scenario showed that speed was the most influential variable, accounting for approximately 56% of the annual accident rate compared to other variables. In the second scenario, the analysis of instantaneous speeds revealed that speed limits were exceeded in approximately 53.3% of cases. This finding reinforces the results of the incremental approach, confirming that excessive speed plays a significant role in increasing accident risks. Finally, recommendations were made for road users and relevant authorities, including the use of smart technologies such as speed sensors and warning sensors to alert drivers to stray animals, rain, and fog. Additionally, driving tests for the presence of mind-altering substances were recommended.