Traffic accidents are a complex phenomenon influenced by numerous factors. The aim of this thesis was to analyze the rhythmicity of traffic accidents in Slovenia using cosinor analysis, which enables the detection and quantification of periodic patterns in data. The analysis was conducted on publicly available data from the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, covering the period between 2010 and 2023. We examined the general daily rhythm of traffic accidents as well as differences between weekdays and weekends, seasons, weather conditions (rain, fair weather), and Lunar phases. The results revealed a pronounced circadian rhythm (i.e. a rhythm with a 24-hour period), with the peak in accidents most frequently occurring during afternoon rush hours. On weekdays, two peaks were observed (morning and afternoon), while weekends showed only one (afternoon). The highest number of accidents was recorded in summer and the lowest in winter. Rain shifted the peak of accidents towards the evening, whereas Lunar phases did not significantly affect the frequency of accidents, but rather their temporal distribution. These findings provide new insights into understanding traffic safety and highlight opportunities for targeted preventive measures.
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