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Investigating Factors Influencing Crash Severity on Mountainous Two-Lane Roads: Machine Learning Versus Statistical Models

Author

Listed:
  • Ziyuan Qi

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Jingmeng Yao

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Xuan Zou

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Kairui Pu

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wenwen Qin

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
    Yunnan Integrated Transport Development and Regional Logistics Management Think Tank, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

  • Wu Li

    (Faculty of Transportation Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
    Yunnan Integrated Transport Development and Regional Logistics Management Think Tank, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China)

Abstract

Due to poor road design, challenging terrain, and difficult geological conditions, traffic accidents on mountainous two-lane roads are more frequent and severe. This study aims to address the lack of understanding of key factors affecting accident severity with the goal of improving mountainous traffic safety, thereby contributing to sustainable transportation systems. The focus of this study is to compare the interpretability of model performances with three statistical models (Ordered Logit, Partial Proportional Odds Model, and Multinomial Logit) and six machine learning models (Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Extra Trees, AdaBoost, and XGBoost) on two-lane mountain roads in Yunnan Province, China. Additionally, we assessed the ability of these models to uncover underlying causal relationships, particularly how accident causes affect severity. Using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method, we interpreted the influence of risk factors in the machine learning models. Our findings indicate that machine learning models, especially XGBoost, outperform statistical models in predicting accident severity. The results highlight that accident patterns are the most significant determinants of severity, followed by road-related factors and the type of colliding vehicles. Environmental factors like weather, however, have minimal impact. Notably, vehicle falling, head-on collisions, and longitudinal slope sections are linked to more severe accidents, while minor accidents are more frequent on horizontal curve sections and areas that combine curves and slopes. These insights can help traffic management agencies develop targeted measures to reduce accident rates and enhance road safety, which is critical for promoting sustainable transportation in mountainous regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ziyuan Qi & Jingmeng Yao & Xuan Zou & Kairui Pu & Wenwen Qin & Wu Li, 2024. "Investigating Factors Influencing Crash Severity on Mountainous Two-Lane Roads: Machine Learning Versus Statistical Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-27, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:7903-:d:1475219
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Masayoshi Tanishita & Yuta Sekiguchi, 2023. "Impact Analysis of Road Infrastructure and Traffic Control on Injury Severity of Single- and Multi-Vehicle Crashes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Zheng Chen & Huiying Wen & Qiang Zhu & Sheng Zhao, 2023. "Severity Analysis of Multi-Truck Crashes on Mountain Freeways Using a Mixed Logit Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Aleksandar Đukić & Milorad K. Banjanin & Mirko Stojčić & Tihomir Đurić & Radenka Đekić & Dejan Anđelković, 2024. "An Ensemble of Machine Learning Models for the Classification and Selection of Categorical Variables in Traffic Inspection Work of Importance for the Sustainable Execution of Events," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-38, November.

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