A study of the relationship between precipitation events, motor vehicle crashes and emergency room utilization in a trauma center environment.

摘要

Intersections, traffic exposure, time of day and the experience of automobile drivers have been independently associated with motor vehicle accidents. In this study, the primary variable for predicting motor vehicle crashes has been limited to precipitation. The initial precipitation event (0.01 inches to 0.1 inches of rain) has a direct relationship to the braking distance and appropriate reaction times for individuals driving under these conditions.; The main focus of this treatise is on the association between precipitation and motor vehicle crashes. Precipitation information was obtained from the National Weather Service in Jackson, MS. ANOVA techniques were used to determine the degree of association between the independent variable, precipitation amount and the dependent variable, motor vehicle crashes. The analysis revealed an association exists between precipitation and the number of motor vehicle crashes. The length of dry conditions and the onset of rain, holidays, time of day, and day of week affected the outcomes.