Analysis of the causes of auto accidents on federal highways in Bahia between 2014 and 2017

Abstract

Estimates indicate that millions of people die each year due to traffic accidents. Because it is such a serious matter that is often overlooked by the political authorities, this study aimed to analyze the main causes of traffic accidents on federal highways in Bahia, considered one of the most violent regions when it comes to traffic. As research material was analyzed the accident report produced by the Regional Superintendent of Bahia Federal Highway Police in the 2014 period and 2017. The data were tabulated in the statistical software SPSS and analyzed later. The causes were grouped into similar categories. The results show that although the number of accidents in 2017 have reduced compared to the years 2014 and 2015, accidents have become more serious in the region and were associated with a higher percentage of deaths. The data also indicate that the events that had occurred the consumption of alcohol or psychotropic substances are more severe and produce a greater number of deaths. Considering the categories presented, the “reckless actions of the driver” was the main cause of accidents on federal highways in Bahia in the analyzed period, mainly due to the violation of traffic laws.