Epidemiologic analysis of pedestrian crashes in Türkiye

Abstract

Background: Pedestrian crashes have become a major concern in T & uuml;rkiye, accounting for 22% of traffic-related fatalities. Aim: To examine the major risk factors increasing the fatality of pedestrian crashes in southern T & uuml;rkiye. Methods: We collected and analysed crash data for 2018-2023 in 3 cities along T & uuml;rkiye's Mediterranean coast from the General Directorate of Security, and demographic data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. We used skewed logistic regression to identify major factors affecting the severity of pedestrian injuries. A total of 14 893 pedestrian crashes involving 15 116 injuries were included in the analysis. Results: In total, 831 pedestrians were killed and 15 116 were injured. The main causes of the crashes were over-speeding (24%), failure to give way to pedestrians (14%) and pedestrians crossing the road carelessly (13%). Most crashes (96%) occurred in urban areas and male drivers were involved in 90% of the crashes. Fatality rate was higher among males than females. Fatality risk increased with pedestrian age and was higher in rural areas, at locations without street lighting, after midnight, and at >= 50 km/h speed. Conclusion: Our findings show that over-speeding, poor lighting, large vehicles, as well as poor driver and pedestrian behaviours increased the risk of pedestrian fatalities. To improve pedestrian safety in T & uuml;rkiye, speed limits should be enforced alongside better street lighting. Public awareness campaigns are needed to educate pedestrians and drivers about road safety, including special programmes for the elderly.