Moonlit Roads—Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Wildlife–Vehicle Collisions in Serbia

Sreten Jevremović (), Vladan Tubić, Filip Arnaut, Aleksandra Kolarski and Vladimir A. Srećković
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Sreten Jevremović: Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Vladan Tubić: Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 305, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Filip Arnaut: Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandra Kolarski: Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Vladimir A. Srećković: Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-17

Abstract: Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) pose a growing threat to road safety and wildlife conservation. This research explores the relationship between the moon phases and the occurrence of nighttime WVCs in Serbia from 2015 to 2023. A total of 2767 nighttime incidents were analyzed to assess whether the full moon is associated with an increased collision frequency. The results revealed a statistically significant rise in the average annual number of WVCs during full moon nights compared to other nights, indicating that increased lunar illumination may affect animal movement and impact collision rates. However, no statistically significant differences were observed when comparing the frequency of WVCs across all four lunar phases. Spatial analysis identified the South Bačka and Podunavlje districts as the most at-risk regions for WVCs during full moon periods. As the first study of its kind in Serbia, this research provides new insights into the spatial and temporal patterns of WVCs. The findings can assist in developing focused mitigation strategies, such as improved signage, speed control strategies, and awareness campaigns, especially in regions with increased risk during full moon nights.

Keywords: wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs); traffic accidents; lunar phase; full moon; sustainable transport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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