Influence of Seasonal and Chronobiological Factors on Driver Behavior and Traffic Accident Risk: A Scoping Review

The current is a scoping review of the possible link between seasonal patterns in traffic accidents and chronobiological aspects. Although this relationship has been widely investigated in different contexts, the present study performs an in-depth analysis of the existing literature on the topic. The main objectives are to map and synthesize the scientific evidence and to identify knowledge gaps. To ensure methodological rigor and transparent reporting, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) update was employed as the framework the development of the present article. The review confirmed the seasonal pattern in the occurrence of traffic accidents and highlighted the deficit in melatonin production, which can lead to drowsiness and, consequently, impair driving performance. Seasonal sensitivity, common in winter, can affect psychological well-being, posing a risk to drivers' mental health. Daylight saving time (DST) increases driver fatigue and drowsiness, while adverse winter conditions increase the risk of collision. These biological disruptions follow a seasonal pattern and may contribute to the higher rates of crashes observed at certain times of the year.