Analyzing the Relationship between Sunset and Sunrise Times and Traffic Accident Rates

Abstract

Sunshine glare during sunrise and sunset may contribute to a higher occurrence of traffic accidents, highlighting the need for preventive measures to enhance road safety. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sunrise and sunset times and road accident frequency and to assess the statistical significance of this relationship. The analysis is based on data from the Czech national road accident register, covering the period from October 2022 to October 2023, with over 90,000 accidents recorded. A paired t-test was conducted to compare accident frequencies during periods of sunlight exposure, and correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between accident frequency and sunset/sunrise times. The findings reveal a statistically significant increase in traffic accidents during sunrise and sunset periods, although the correlation between these times and accident frequency is weak but statistically significant. A key limitation of the study is its exclusive focus on sunrise and sunset times, without accounting for other potentially influential variables. Based on these results, practical recommendations are proposed, including enhancements to road infrastructure and adjustments to traffic schedules during high-risk time windows to reduce accident rates.

Keywords

• traffic accidents
• driver glare
• lighting conditions
• accident risk factors
• road traffic safety