Development and Application of a Methodology in the Scientific Investigation of Accidents in the Urban Environment of the City of Cuenca, Ecuador

This project addresses the critical issue of high traffic accident rates in Ecuador, evidenced by significant economic and social losses associated with traffic incidents, aligning with international victim reduction commitments. The focus is on developing and implementing a scientific research methodology specifically applied to the urban environment of Cuenca. The proposed solution involves an exhaustive literature review to identify influential variables (road, environment, traffic), establishing and refining a unified accident database, and identifying key road safety indicators. Advanced and rigorous statistical methods will be employed to analyze the collected data to identify accident patterns and generate an accurate diagnosis. Activities include coordination meetings, establishing agreements with local institutions for data acquisition and categorization, and conducting detailed statistical analysis. The final outcome will be the formulation of practical, evidence-based recommendations to improve road prevention policies, with the potential to establish a Mobility and Safety Observatory in Cuenca as a pilot experience for Ecuador. The project is part of the international collaboration within the Scientific Research Network on Accidents (RETEICA).<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective is to develop and apply a rigorous scientific research methodology for analyzing traffic accidents in the urban environment of Cuenca, Ecuador.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Control engineering and automation technologies