Characterization of traffic accidents in Ecuador

Abstract

Thousands of lives are lost every year due to traffic accidents. Simultaneously, injuries are presented with minor and severe injuries, which determine some disability in several cases. The causes of traffic accidents are analyzed continuously by public and private institutions to take preventive actions that contribute to reducing rates of mortality, accident, and lethality. This work aims to characterize traffic accidents in Ecuador by using data analysis techniques, dynamic tables, and dynamic graphs to identify, summarize, and compare causes and factors contributing to critical data decision-making. The data were provided by the public office, an institution with competence in 22 of the 24 provinces of the territory. As a result, ten causes would have caused 96.3% of the accidents, driving with lack of attention the predominant cause, with an incidence of 56.8% of accidents. The environmental conditions, types, and conditions of the road and schedule were identified at the national level. The study concludes by calculating the rates and indices of mortality, lethality, accident rate, and motorization by zone. The results achieved represent a contribution to the planning and legislation of preventive policies implemented by public institutions.