Top causes of road traffic accidents in Romania

Abstract

Road accidents worldwide impose a significant burden on national budgets, particularly affecting the least developed countries. According to the latest WHO “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023,” road fatalities are the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29. Among the European Union countries, Romania has the highest mortality rate. Between 2011 and 2021, approximately 2.8% to 1.1% of Romania’s GDP represented the social costs caused by road accidents. Statistical analysis of serious road accidents in Romania during this period reveals five main causes responsible for at least 50% of the total deaths recorded on the national public road network. The most significant cause is “speed not adapted to road conditions,” accounting for approximately 19% of the total. A road accident occurs due to the action or interaction of three determining factors: human, vehicle, and road (road environment). In most cases, the blame for road accidents is attributed to human error or behaviour. This conclusion is often influenced by data collection methods that do not consider all the influences of road infrastructure on the accident’s dynamics. A closer analysis shows that road infrastructure deficiencies often influence or cause road accidents, highlighting the importance of continuous evaluation and improvement of infrastructure to reduce accident risk. The implementation of Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management has prompted authorities to pay particular attention to infrastructure deficiencies in fatal accidents. During 2018-2021, following road safety inspections, auditors provided police and road administrators with detailed reports on deficiencies that caused or favored fatal accidents. Processing and analysing these reports can form the basis for developing a statistical model that provides a unified approach to road infrastructure deficiencies. This model can set up best practices for road safety, contributing to the uniform treatment of infrastructure problems found by auditors. With the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1936, which amends Directive 2008/96/EC, through Romanian Government Ordinance no. 3/2022, an innovative approach to managing road infrastructure deficiencies has been introduced. At the EU level, emphasis is placed on finding main road sections with low safety levels. Specific inspections are directed towards road sections with multiple risks, and remedial measures will focus on cost-effective solutions to enhance safety. Continuous evaluation and improvement of road infrastructure are crucial for reducing accident risk. By addressing deficiencies contributing to serious accidents, authorities can create safer road environments. This proactive approach involves detailed inspections and thorough data analysis to find and rectify potential hazards. The goal is to set up a system that not only responds to accidents but also prevents them by mitigating infrastructure risks. In conclusion, road safety management needs a multi-faceted approach that integrates human, vehicle, and road factors. By implementing directives and conducting rigorous inspections, authorities can significantly reduce road accidents. The development of a statistical model from inspection data will systematically address deficiencies, leading to safer roads and reduced fatalities, highlighting road safety as a public health issue.