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Tehnički vjesnik 26, 1(2019), 7-12 7
ISSN 1330-3651 (Print), ISSN 1848-6339 (Online) https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20150908121510
Original scientific paper
Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
Đorđe VRANJEŠ, Jovica VASILJEVIĆ, Goran JOVANOV, Radovan RADOVANOVIĆ, Tihomir ĐURIĆ
Abstract: The paper aims to present the results of study on how certain types of vehicles with malfunctioning technical parts affect traffic safety in the Republic of Serbia
between 1997 and 2014. The following methods were used in the paper: statistical method, comparative method, analysis of frequency of defined traffic accident causes,
Pearson linear correlation with a modelled algorithm for data processing. The technical malfunction of vehicles as a cause for accident occurrence has a share of 0,72% in
the total number of accidents. The most common cause of accidents lies with malfunctioning lights or light-signalling devices on vehicles. The technical malfunction of
vehicles has the highest value of 1,65% in accidents with fatalities and the biggest correlation between accidents at police district and accidents on national level is recorded
with accidents in which only material damages were sustained. The research results can be used for comparison on regional level, so as for developing of the model of
analysis of the causes of traffic accidents in Serbia and in the region.
Keywords: technical malfunction; traffic accidents; traffic safety; vehicles
1 INTRODUCTION
It has been established in the field that the vehicle as
an element of traffic safety contributes around 13% to the
occurrence of traffic accidents [14]. Roadworthiness of
vehicles is crucial for a sustainable state of traffic safety.
According to the data by European Commission, more than
five persons die every day on the European Union territory
in traffic accidents caused by vehicles with malfunctioning
technical parts [14].
Data on technical and exploitation characteristics show
that roads abound with vehicles that are technically
malfunctioned and ripe for the recycling process [6]. In
addition, a great number of vehicles do not meet the basic
environmental criteria defined by international regulations
and standards [1].
Results of numerous studies have shown that proper
roadworthiness inspection contributes to the reduction in
number of accidents with fatalities. In relation to this, in [7]
authors have confirmed in their research that periodic
technical inspection of vehicles significantly contributes to
reducing the most serious consequences in traffic
accidents.
In [8] is reached the conclusion that tires and brakes
are the two most dominant components whose mechanical
defects cause traffic accidents that lead to the rollover of a
vehicle. According to the results of their study, 40% of
vehicles in suburban areas and 29% of motorway vehicles
have mechanical defects that may contribute to the
occurrence of traffic accidents.
Vehicles of inferior roadworthiness run a much higher
risk of partaking in traffic accidents than roadworthy
vehicles [9, 10].
In study [14] a conclusion is reached that the reduction
in vehicle inspection of heavy duty vehicles can lead to an
increase (5-10%) of their share in traffic accidents with
fatalities. It is also concluded that an increase of 100% in
vehicles inspection is closely related with a minimal
reduction in the number of traffic accidents.
In the research conducted by [12] it was not found that
periodic vehicle inspections have an influence on the
reduction in the number of traffic accidents.
In study [3] the following conclusions are reached
while conducting an analysis of the impact periodic vehicle
inspections have on traffic safety in Norway:
1. Technical malfunctions of vehicles are connected with
a small but statistically relevant increase in the rate of
traffic accidents,
2. Periodic vehicle inspections lead to the elimination of
technical malfunctions on vehicles,
3. Conducting periodic vehicle inspections does not lead
to a decrease in the rate of accidents with vehicles
inspected, but it does show a weak tendency of increase.
In summation of all the conclusions from the research,
the rest of the paper presents the results of data analysis on
traffic accidents caused principally by technical
malfunction of vehicles according to the defined branch-
subcategories.
The basic aim of the research was to find results that
would lead to a conclusion as to what extent vehicles with
technical malfunction have the biggest impact on the
occurrence of traffic accidents and their consequences. In
the end, the hypothesis of the research is defined in such a
way that the results of the research can show which type of
traffic accidents are caused by technical malfunction of
vehicles with the greatest correlation at the level of police
districts and at the national level, i.e. the level of the
Republic of Serbia.
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Statistical data on traffic accidents in the Republic of
Serbia from 1997 to 2014 is procured from the Unique
database of relevance to traffic safety, run by Road Traffic
Safety Agency of the Republic of Serbia [2].
Samples of traffic accidents related to technical
malfunction of vehicles were selected from the entire
database: malfunctioning or unsuitable tires,
malfunctioning steering device, malfunctioning device for
linking towed or trailer vehicle, malfunctioning braking
device, malfunctioning lights and/or light-signaling
devices and other malfunctions on a vehicle.
Data for the 1997-2014 period was analyzed for the
entire region of the Republic of Serbia and the areas that
territorially consist of police districts, of which there are
27.
Đorđe VRANJEŠ et al.: Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
8 Technical Gazette 26, 1(2019), 7-12
The frequency analysis of the defined causes of traffic
accidents that are relative to the technical malfunction of
vehicles was observed within the total number of traffic
accidents with fatalities (TA FAT), total number of traffic
accidents with injured persons (TA INJ), total number of
accidents with casualties (TA CAS), total number of
accidents with material damages only (TA MD) and total
number of accidents that consist of traffic accidents with
material damage and accidents with fatalities (TA TT).
Apart from the frequency analysis, a comparative
analysis of the rate of certain kinds of accidents at the level
of 27 police districts and at the level of the Republic of
Serbia was conducted, by applying the algorithm model
from Fig. 1 for consequences of traffic accidents that are
caused by technical malfunction of vehicles, and the results
of that research are shown in Tab. 3.
Figure 1 Algorithm of the model for analysis of the Pearson correlation value
between variables at the level of police districts and at the level of the Republic
of Serbia.
Data processing was carried out by using the Pearson
linear correlation in SPSS 20 Statistics software tool.
During data processing, a comparison was made between
continuous variables that are relative to traffic accidents
caused by a technical malfunction of vehicles, and the total
number of accidents.
Values achieved with the Pearson linear correlation
method are supposed to point out the strength and direction
of the connection between variables at the level of police
districts and at the level of the Republic of Serbia. Values
range between −1 and 1, and the sign marks the direction
of the connection between analyzed variables.
All selected variables relative to the number of traffic
accidents are continuous, and the result value of the
variable (P) shows the strength of connection.
In this segment the principal aim was to establish
which variable describing the number of accidents caused
by technical malfunctions impacts the occurrence of traffic
by technical malfunctions of vehicles has the greatest
correlation value and statistical significance of the
achieved result in relation to the level of police districts and
the national level.
3 RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH
On the basis of the analysis carried out for the total
number of accidents caused by technical malfunction of
vehicles (TAtmv) in the total number of traffic accidents in
Fig. 2, results are shown as percentage rates for certain
types of accidents.
Figure 2 Percentage rate of accidents caused by technical malfunction of
vehicles in the total number of accidents in the Republic of Serbia
Compared to the total number of traffic accidents in
the Republic of Serbia in the 1997-2014 period TAtmv has
an incidence of mere 0,72%.
The greatest value of TAtmv was observed in traffic
accidents with fatalities and it is 1.69%. The smallest value
of 0.59% was observed in traffic accidents with material
damages only.
In traffic accidents with injured persons a value of
1.05% was recorded, and finally the value of 1.09% was
recorded in accidents with fatalities.
Next, in Tab. 1, an overview of the number of traffic
accidents caused by technical malfunction of vehicles is
shown, according to the type of accident and the basic
cause.
By analyzing the results from the frequency analysis in
TA FAT, it can be concluded that almost a half of these
accidents (48,97%) are accidents caused principally by
malfunctioning lights and/or light-signalling devices on a
vehicle. Malfunctioning or unsuitable tires are the least
prevalent cause in TA FAT, with the value of 1,38%.
Accidents in TA INJ caused principally by
malfunctioning lights and/or light-signalling devices on a
vehicle make up 39.62%. The smallest value in the total
Đorđe VRANJEŠ et al.: Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
Tehnički vjesnik 26, 1(2019), 7-12 9
number of TA INJ belongs to accidents caused by a
malfunctioning or unsuitable tire (1,57%).
When TA CAS is taken into account, which represents
the sum of TA FAT and TA INJ, the prevalence of causes
is the same as in the previous two types of accidents, and
40.48% accounts for accidents principally caused by a
malfunctioning or unsuitable tire.
Figure 3 Prevalence of certain types of vehicle malfunctions in the defined
categories of traffic accident
In TA MD, accidents caused by malfunctioning lights
and or light-signalling devices on a vehicle make up
25,97%, and accidents caused principally by a
malfunctioning or unsuitable tire make up 3,13% of the
total figure.
Summed up results from Tab. 1 are shown in Fig. 3, so
as to allow for a mutual comparison between key causes of
accidents from the segment of technical malfunction and
the type of consequences it produced.
Malfunctioning or unsuitable tires were the least
prevalent cause in all types of traffic accidents. The
greatest value for this cause was found in TA MD, with the
amount of 3,13%.
Malfunctioning device for linking towed or trailer
vehicles was most prevalent as a cause in TA MD, with the
amount of 12,35%.
Malfunctioning vehicle steering device recorded the
greatest value of 16,09% in TA MD, and the smallest of
8.62% in TA FAT.
Malfunctioning braking devices on vehicles have the
greatest value of 26,90% in TA FAT, and the smallest
value of 19,33% in TA MD.
Malfunctioning lights and/or light-signalling devices
as a cause for accident occurrence show the greatest value
of 48,97% in TA FAT, and the smallest value of 25,97% in
TA MD.
The last of the defined categories for causes of
accidents is other malfunctions on vehicles. This category
encompasses all other causes that cannot be assigned to any
of the previously listed categories of vehicle
malfunctioning. Other malfunctions as a cause are most
prevalent in TA MD, with 23,13%, and least prevalent in
TA FAT, with the amount of 10,69%.
Table 1 Statistical data on traffic accidents caused by technical malfunction on vehicles and the total number of accidents in the Republic of Serbia
TA CAUSE
TA FAT
%
TA INJ
%
TA CAS
%
TA MD
%
TA TT
Malfunctioning lights or light-
signaling devices
142 48,97% 1136 39,62% 1278 40,48% 1228 25,97% 2506
Malfunctioning braking devices
78
26,90%
716
24,97%
794
25,15%
914
19,33%
1708
Other vehicle malfunctions
31
10,69%
345
12,03%
376
11,91%
1094
23,13%
1470
Malfunctioning steering device
25
8,62%
416
14,51%
441
13,97%
761
16,09%
1202
Malfunctioning device for linking
towed or trailer vehicles
10 3,45% 209 7,29% 219 6,94% 584 12,35% 803
Malfunctioning or unsuitable tires
4
1,38%
45
1,57%
49
1,55%
148
3,13%
197
Total TA tmv*
290
2867
3157
4729
7886
TOTAL TA**
17 144
272 390
289 534
801 658
1 091 192
*Sum of traffic accidents caused by technical malfunction on vehicles
**Sum total of the number of all traffic accidents in the Republic of Serbia in 1997-2014 period
When all the data on the prevalence of certain
categories of technical malfunctions as causes for traffic
accident is summed up, the results shown in Fig. 4 are
reached. Malfunctioning or unsuitable tires record the
smallest value out of total number of accidents at N =
197(2%).
Out of the total number of traffic accidents in the
Republic of Serbia, in the 1997-2014 period,
malfunctioning lights or light-signalling devices as a type
of technical malfunction on vehicles that causes the
occurrence of accidents and consequences is the most
prevalent one, N = 2506 (32%).
In Tab. 2 we can see an overview of the total number
of traffic accidents per police districts in the Republic of
Serbia and the total number of traffic accidents caused by
technical malfunctions on vehicles.
All the values shown in Tab. 2 that have the symbol *
next to them (e.g. TA FAT*) are relative to the total
number of accidents in the Republic of Serbia, i.e. the
national level.
According to the data from Tab. 2, and with the
Pearson correlation method applied, an evaluation is
carried out between continuous variables that are relative
to the total number of accidents caused by technical
malfunctions on vehicles at the level of police districts, and
the total number of accidents on the territory of the
Republic of Serbia.
Đorđe VRANJEŠ et al.: Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
10 Technical Gazette 26, 1(2019), 7-12
According to the data from Tab. 2, and with the
Pearson correlation method applied, an evaluation is
carried out between continuous variables that are relative
to the total number of accidents caused by technical
malfunctions on vehicles at the level of police districts, and
the total number of accidents on the territory of the
Republic of Serbia.
Table 2 Data on the total number of accidents in the Republic of Serbia and the number of accidents caused by technical malfunctions per police districts
Police district TA FAT
TA
FAT*
TA INJ TA FAT*
TA
CAS
TA CAS* TA MŠ TA MŠ*
TA
UK
TA UK*
1
Belgrade
3
2953
77
52 699
80
55 652
235
308 630
315
364 282
2
Bor
4
321
79
4079
83
4400
109
9367
192
13 767
3
Čačak
6
535
39
8723
45
9258
108
20 500
153
29 758
4
Jagodina
8
503
67
7187
75
7690
112
14 332
187
22 022
5
Kikinda
11
370
83
5397
94
5767
97
9651
191
15 418
6
Kragujevac
10
690
142
12 231
152
12 921
214
23 903
366
36 824
7
Kraljevo
5
538
32
7531
37
8069
65
17 432
102
25 501
8
Kruševac
11
529
145
8209
156
8738
170
15 639
326
24 377
9
Leskovac
10
399
179
7494
189
7893
131
8914
120
16 807
10
Niš
16
743
175
13 441
191
14 184
306
34 614
497
48 798
11
Novi Pazar
13
248
106
3683
119
3931
83
8040
202
11 971
12
Novi Sad
19
1316
201
28 218
220
29 579
595
101 025
815
130 604
13
Pančevo
27
856
189
12 028
216
12 884
289
21 820
505
34 704
14
Pirot
4
234
50
2602
54
2836
47
4428
101
7264
15
Požarevac
13
543
111
7007
124
7550
256
17 286
380
24 836
16
Prijepolje
5
128
30
2428
35
2556
60
5684
95
8240
17
Prokuplje
6
178
50
2896
56
3074
71
4784
127
7858
18
Šabac
14
892
92
11 226
106
12 118
218
23 709
324
35 827
19
Smederevo
8
598
113
8685
121
9283
172
17 632
293
26 915
20
Sombor
12
687
150
11 005
162
11 692
172
19 707
334
31 395
21
Subotica
2
434
17
7237
19
7671
38
15 400
57
23 071
22
Užice
10
525
114
6542
124
7067
196
17 990
320
25 057
23
Valjevo
9
547
119
9036
128
9383
201
20 397
329
29 980
24
Vranje
13
400
64
5240
77
5640
100
7980
177
13 620
25
Zaječar
7
325
79
4186
86
4511
108
9047
194
13 558
26
Zrenjanin
28
586
117
9087
205
9673
146
11 202
351
20 875
27
Sremska Mitrovica
16
1021
189
14 293
205
15 314
418
32 543
632
47 857
Figure 4 Prevalence of certain causes in the total number of accidents caused
by technical malfunction of vehicles in the Republic of Serbia in the 1997-2014
period
Results for the values of correlations between
variables are presented in Tab. 3.
All the values reached in Tab. 3 are positive, which
means that with the rise of traffic accidents caused by
technical malfunction on vehicles in a particular police
district, the total number of traffic accidents rises at the
national level as well. This actually represents a logical
conclusion.
Table 3 Values of Pearson correlation between variables
P
TA FAT* TA INJ*
TA
CAS*
TA MD* TA TT*
Sig.
TA FAT
0,077
- - - -
0,703
TA INJ -
0,266
- - -
0,180
TA
CAS
- -
0,238
- -
0,232
TA MD - - -
0,364
-
0,062
TA TT - - - -
0,314
0,110
The aim of the analysis, however, was to establish in
what type of traffic accident is the strength of the
correlation most evident.
Based on this, in traffic accidents with material
damages only (TA MD and TA MD*) the value of the
strength is most pronounced and it is (P = 0,364, sig.
0,062).
The smallest value of the correlation strength is found
in traffic accidents with fatalities (TA FAT and TA FAT*)
and it is (P = 0,077, sig. 0,703).
In traffic accidents with injured persons the value of
the correlation is (P = 0,266, sig. 0,180), and in accidents
with fatalities the value is (P = 0,238, sig. 0,232).
All the values achieved in the correlation have reliable
amounts of statistical significance (sig.) which essentially
demonstrates the reliability of the results achieved between
the defined variables.
Đorđe VRANJEŠ et al.: Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
Tehnički vjesnik 26, 1(2019), 7-12 11
4 CONCLUSIONS
The working hypotheses set at the beginning of the
paper have been found as justified in the following
conclusions:
- Results of the study demonstrate that technical
malfunctions on vehicles in the Republic of Serbia do
not have a great impact on the occurrence of traffic
accidents and their consequences.
- The values obtained demonstrate that the whole impact
on the occurrence of accidents amounts to 0.72%,
which is consistent with the results reached by [3], and
inversely not consistent with the conclusions reached
by [12] and [14].
- As a cause for the occurrence of accidents with
fatalities, technical malfunctions have the greatest
value of 1.65%, and the smallest rate is observed in
traffic accidents with material damages (only 0.59%).
- If we observe the type of technical malfunction as the
cause for traffic accidents, it can be concluded that
malfunctioning lights or light-signalling devices is the
most prevalent one with 32%.
- The least prevalent technical malfunction is observed
in malfunctioning or unsuitable tires with the amount
of a mere 2% out of the total number of accidents from
that causative group in the Republic of Serbia.
Aside from the analysis at the level of the Republic of
Serbia, a comparison on the prevalence of accidents was
also carried out at the level of 27 police districts in the
Republic of Serbia. By applying the Pearson correlation, a
mutual connection of the number of accidents was
evaluated according to type at the level of each district, and
the total number of accidents at the national level, i.e. the
level of the Republic of Serbia. The greatest correlation
values were observed in traffic accidents with material
damages only, and the smallest values were observed in
accidents with fatalities.
The global significance of this research is in abilities
to carry out further researches in this field and in
possibilities to carry out comparisons with other countries
in the region.
The research results also imposed dilemma with regard
to a very small percentage of representation of the technical
malfunction of vehicles in total number of accidents in the
Republic of Serbia and can indicate problems in the
existing methodology, which is applied for identification
of the key causes of road accidents in this region.
Based on everything stated, it is necessary to conduct
in-depth analyses of accidents to establish in more detail to
what extent technical malfunctions on vehicles are present
in the total number of accidents. Results in this paper are
based on the statistical data on traffic accidents in the
Republic of Serbia, however, in-depth analyses should be
carried out in the coming years for those accidents with the
severest consequences, so as to acquire a more realistic
representation of the impact of this type of cause on the
occurrence of traffic accidents.
In addition, a new by-law is soon to come into effect
in the Republic of Serbia, which will regulate the way
vehicle inspections are carried out in accordance with the
contemporary tendencies laid out in ECE directives that
came into effect during the course of 2014.
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Đorđe VRANJEŠ et al.: Study of the Impact of Technical Malfunctioning of Vital Vehicular Parts on Traffic Safety
12 Technical Gazette 26, 1(2019), 7-12
Contact information:
Đorđe VRANJEŠ, M.Sc.
Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Centre for Motors and Vehicles
11351, Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia
djordjevranjes@yahoo.com
Jovica VASILJEVIĆ, PhD, Assistant Professor
Road Traffic Safety Agency of the Republic of Serbia
11070 New Belgrade, Serbia
jovica.vasiljevic@gmail.com
Goran JOVANOV, PhD, Assistant Professor
Academy of Criminalistic and Police Studies of the Republic of Serbia
11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia
goran.jovanov@kpa.edu.rs
Radovan RADOVANOVIĆ, PhD, Full Professor
Academy of Criminalistic and Police Studies of the Republic of Serbia
11080 Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia
radovan.radovanovic@kpa.edu.rs
Tihomir ĐURIĆ, PhD, Assistant Professor
Faculty of Traffic and Transport Engineering Doboj, BiH
74000 Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
tihomir.djuric@stfdoboj.net
