RELATIONSHIP OF ACCIDENT FREQUENCY TO TRAVEL EXPOSURE

An attempt is made to determine the accident risk for persons who use various modes of transportation. The number of persons injured or killed in traffic not only is calculated in proportion to the total population but also is related to three different factors that pertain to travel exposure: the number of trips made, the number of kilometers traveled, and the amount of time spent traveling. The results of a survey done in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1976 (KONTIV) were the data base. The survey technique shown, was applied to use data on the behavior of individuals on random sampling days to determine yearly values for traffic exposure. The accident rates for different modes vary according to the factors used to determine traffic exposure. Thus, by using kilometers traveled, the accident risk is least for persons who travel by car. However, by using number of trips made and time spent traveling, the accident risk is least for pedestrians. The evaluation shows that the individual accident rate does not give a complete and accurate picture of accident risk. Only the combined analysis of all three accident rates can do this. An increased international exchange of data and experiences that pertain to this subject would be desirable. (Author)