最近の交通事故発生の動向に関する研究(第1報)

都道府県レベルでみた発生要因

抄録

Using the results of principle component analysis of data from 47 prefectures, we classified selected prefectures into 4 groups according to similarity of geographical feature, traffic conditions, and degree of urbanization. We analyzed the relationships between incidence rates of traffic accidents and factors thought to affect the incidence rates. The results of the study are as follows: 1) Falling into the first classification were areas where there is very little traffic. Yamanashi, Nagano, Tottori, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Kochi Prefectures were included in this classification. The incidence rates for accidents on major roads in these areas were high, and the death rates were also high. It was thought that factors influencing these high rates might be the bad road conditions, lax traffic control, lack of safety policy, and lack of adequate medical facilities. 2) A second classification was the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures fell into this classification area. The total incidence rate of traffic accidents, the death rate, and other traffic accident indices were low. Factors influencing these low rates were thought to be the existence of adequate medical facilities, the continuing improvement of the transportation network, strict traffic control, and satisfactory safety policy. 3) A third classification was a highway classification. Tochigi, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka Prefectures were included in this classification. For areas in this classification, the total incidence rate was high, as was the injury rate, and the rate of hit and run accidents. It was thought that road improvement, traffic control, safety policy, and regulation of traffic offenses had not kept up with the rapid urbanization in these areas, thus contributing to these high rates. 4. The last classification was of remote areas. Iwate, Akita, Toyama, Gifu, Shimane, Nagasaki, and Miyazaki Prefectures were classified here. In these remote areas, the fatality rates for traffic accidents were very high. The contributing factor seemed to be lack of emergency medical facilities and ambulances.