# Analyzing the Factors Influencing Time Delays in Korean Railroad Accidents
###### Abstract  
Railroads play a pivotal role in the Korean national economy, necessitating a thorough understanding of factors influencing accidents for effective mitigation strategies. Unlike prior research focused on accident frequency and severity, this study delves into the often-overlooked aspect of time delays resulting from railroad accidents. Analyzing 15 years of nationwide data (2008-2022), encompassing 3244 human-related and 3350 technical events, this research identifies key factors influencing delay likelihood and duration. Factors considered include event type, season, train type, location, operator size, person type involved, facility type, and causes. Despite an overall decrease in events, variable delay times highlight the need to comprehend specific contributing factors. To address excess zeros, the study employs a two-stage model and a zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model, alongside artificial neural networks (ANNs) for non-linear pattern recognition. Human-related delays are influenced by event types, seasons, and passenger categories, exhibit nuanced impacts. Technical-related delays are influenced by incident types and facility involvement. Regarding model performance, the ANN models outperform regression-based models consistently in all cases. This study emphasizes the importance of considering both human and technical factors in predicting and understanding railroad accident delays, offering valuable insights for formulating strategies to mitigate service disruptions associated with these incidents. a +
Footnote †: journal: Medical  
service interruptions, and environmental damage. The Railroad Safety Act in Korea defines \"Railroad safety\" as the ongoing process wherein railroad operators and managers of railroad facilities consistently identify and mitigate risk factors associated with the operation of railroads or the management of railroad facilities, which could lead to casualties or property damage. It signifies a condition where the level of risk remains within an acceptable range. Therefore, railroad safety involves safeguarding both lives and property by overseeing, administering, and advancing technological innovations across all modes of rail transport. Particularly significant are accidents with multiple fatalities, prompting profound inquiries into railroad safety within the realms of media and public discourse. These accidents not only bring pertinent issues to the forefront and initiate discussions, but also catalyze actionable measures, serving as pivotal junctures for the enhancement of railroad safety. Within the regulatory framework of the Railroad Safety Act, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) in Korea periodically releases a structured Railroad Safety Master Plan (RSMP) at five-year intervals. This comprehensive strategy encompasses quantifiable safety objectives, encompassing accident rates and associated fatality figures. As a result, the precise forecasting of railroad accident frequencies and their consequential implications for stakeholders emerges as an essential prerequisite for advancing railroad safety. Such foresight significantly contributes to the overarching goal of advancing safety standards within the domain of railroad transportation. Understanding the key factors influencing the occurrence and consequences of railroad accidents is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate casualties, infrastructure and rolling stock damage, service disruptions, and environmental harm. However, numerous researchers have dedicated their efforts to examining the frequency and severity of railroad accidents, with a particular emphasis on fatal train incidents and railroad grade crossing accidents. Most of the research has concentrated on analyzing the frequency and impact of fatal train accidents, primarily in terms of casualties.