Traffic Crash Analysis in Somerville Patterns Causes and Outcomes

Road traffic crashes continue to pose significant challenges to public safety, particularly in urban environments like Somerville, where dense traffic and pedestrian activity increase risk. This study analyzes historical traffic crash data from 2018 to 2024 to identify key patterns, contributing factors, and injury outcomes in the Somerville area. Using a data-driven approach that combines descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis, correlation assessments, and logistic regression modeling, the research highlights trends such as high-risk locations, temporal crash distributions, and the influence of weather and road conditions. Findings indicate that most crashes occur under normal weather and road conditions, predominantly at intersections with limited or standard traffic controls, and often during weekday peak hours. A notable challenge is the high proportion of crashes with unknown or unrecorded causes, underscoring the need for improved data collection. The study recommends enhanced traffic control measures, targeted public awareness campaigns, and the integration of predictive analytics to better identify and mitigate crash risks. These insights aim to inform policymakers and traffic safety stakeholders in developing effective interventions to reduce accidents and improve road safety in Somerville.