Analyzing road traffic accidents through identification and prioritization of accident-prone areas on the dembecha to injibara highway segment in amhara region, ethiopia

Every year, millions die in road accidents globally, imposing significant economic and humanitarian costs. While road traffic accidents are a major health concern, many developing countries, including Ethiopia, struggle to address this issue effectively. Ethiopia ranks second in East Africa for severe road traffic accidents, highlighting the need for improved injury reduction strategies. This study introduces a novel approach by chronologically identifying and prioritizing accident black spots in the studied area, Ethiopia. This method provides a valuable tool for transportation authorities and traffic police to target high-risk areas for immediate intervention. Focusing on the Dembecha-Injibara highway segment, the study employs both descriptive and inferential analyses, using the Zegeer method to calculate accident rates. It also uses factors of weight contributing to road traffic accidents and their severity to rank accident-prone areas. The findings reveal that areas near Finote Selam, Banja, and Burie are highly prone to severe accidents, with specific accident frequencies and priority values identified. Recommendations are offered to address these high-risk areas and mitigate severe traffic accidents in the study region.