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

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 strepsiceros) 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.