The priority setting of factors affecting a crash severity using the Analytic Network Process

Background: The original step in reducing crash severity is recognition of the involved factors. The aim of this paper is to prioritize the factors affecting crashes severity. The current study was carried out in 2018 in Iran. Methods: The present cross-sectional study focuses on factors affecting the crash severity. Due to the complicated nature of traffic accidents, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods can be considered as an effective approach. In this work, the factors affecting a crash severity were identified and then attained factors were scored by ten traffic safety experts. To prioritize and weigh these factors, the Analytic Network Process method and Super Decisions Program were used. Results: The results showed four main factors and 60 sub-factors for a crash severity. The main factors in the order of priority were the safety (the most important sub-factor: speed over the upper limit), the other factors (the most important sub-factor: road user type), the health (the most important sub-factor: drowsiness), and the environment (the most important sub-factor: slipping the road). Conclusions: In order to control the crash severity, the presented factors in this study could help traffic safety experts to prioritize and perform controlling actions.