Evaluation of the Effects of Thermal Comfort Conditions and Weather Conditions on Traffic Rule Violations and Traffic Accidents

In the study, the relationship between weather conditions and thermal comfort conditions and road traffic accidents (RTA) and road traffic rule violations (RTRV) was examined over the city of Uşak. The RTA and RTRV numbers were obtained monthly from the Uşak Provincial Police. Data on air temperature (°C), vapor pressure (hPa), relative humidity (%), wind velocity (m/s), rainy days, foggy days, cloudless days, and cloudy days were obtained from the Uşak Meteorology Directorate. In addition, thermal comfort conditions were determined according to the PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) index through the Rayman model. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships and effects regarding weather conditions and thermal comfort conditions with RTA numbers and RTRV rates. The analyses showed statistically positive relationships between thermal comfort conditions (PET), air temperature (T), mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), vapor pressure (VP), and cloudless days and RTA and RTRV. Negative relationships were determined between relative humidity (RH), rainy, foggy, and cloudy days and RTA and RTRV. In line with these results, heat stresses are more effective in terms of high temperatures, suffocation, and thermal comfort conditions in traffic accidents and violations. It is recommended that these conditions be considered in traffic safety strategies and action plans, driver training, policies, vehicle technology, traffic insurance, and studies to be carried out by the Traffic Department of the General Directorate of Security to prevent or reduce traffic accidents and to ensure safe road travel.