Temporal patterns of animal-related traffic accidents in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Date
2008-10
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Wildlife Management Association
Abstract
This study analysed road accident data for a five-year period on a route between Uitenhage and Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape (South Africa) to investigate the temporal patterns of animal-related accidents (ARAs). Although a large number of ARAs was recorded during the high-traffic holiday season, a distinct period of relatively high ARA rates was identified from April to July. These months coincide with the rutting and hunting seasons of greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepciceros) when movement is more pronounced. The observed daily danger times for ARAs are from dusk to around midnight and early mornings until dawn. Weekends, with increased motor vehicle traffic, are also hazardous times. These results should be used by traffic authorities and regional traffic managers to help initiate mitigating procedures and launch public awareness programmes to inform motorists of the most accident-prone times of the day, days of the week and seasons of the year for animal-related motor vehicle accidents.
Description
CITATION: Eloff, P. & Van Niekerk, A. 2008. Temporal patterns of animal-related traffic accidents in the Eastern Cape, South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 38(2), 153-162.
The original publication is available at http://reference.sabinet.co.za/sa_epublication/wild
Keywords
Animal-related traffic accidents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Temporal patterns, Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Citation
Eloff, P. & Van Niekerk, A. 2008. Temporal patterns of animal-related traffic accidents in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 38(2), 153-162.