This paper presents a novel non-parametric methodology – rough set theory – for accident occurrence exploration. The rough set theory allows
researchers to analyze accidents in multiple dimensions and to model accident occurrence as factor chains. Factor chains are composed of driver
characteristics, trip characteristics, driver behavior and environment factors that imply typical accident occurrence. A real-world database (2003
Taiwan single auto-vehicle accidents) is used as an example to demonstrate the proposed approach. The results show that although most accident
patterns are unique, some accident patterns are significant and worth noting. Student drivers who are young and less experienced exhibit a relatively
high possibility of being involved in off-road accidents on roads with a speed limit between 51 and 79 km/h under normal driving circumstances.
Notably, for bump-into-facility accidents, wet surface is a distinctive environmental factor.
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