The risks of mountain activities: tourism accidents in the Ceahlau Massif (Eastern Carpathians, Romania)

Tourism-related accidents in mountainous regions represent a significant concern for public safety organizations worldwide. This study examines accident patterns and risk factors in the Ceahlau Massif, Eastern Carpathians, Romania – which attracts many tourists yearly due to its accessibility and popularity – employing a mixed-methods approach to analyze the typology, frequency, and spatio-temporal distribution of tourist accidents across various hiking trails.The methodology integrated qualitative and quantitative techniques, including systematic literature review, institutional data collection, and semi-structured interviews with both safety experts and tourists. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were utilized for cartographic analysis, while mathematical statistics and spatial measurement tools, specifically the Lorentz curve and Gini coefficient, were employed to evaluate distribution patterns and causal mechanisms of accidents.Results revealed distinct temporal and spatial patterns in accident occurrence. Temporal analysis demonstrated a significant seasonal variation, with accident frequencies peaking during summer months, particularly August. The spatial distribution of accidents showed marked heterogeneity across different trails, with one of the route exhibiting the highest accident frequency. Injury typology analysis indicated that fractures and sprains were the predominant forms of trauma, suggesting a correlation between trail difficulty and accident severity. Statistical analysis of accident distribution revealed significant spatial clustering, with a Gini coefficient indicating substantial inequality in accident distribution across different trail segments. This spatial concentration of accidents correlated strongly with specific topographical features and areas of high tourist density. Notably, the study identified a significant relationship between accident occurrence and tourist preparedness, with poorly equipped visitors showing higher vulnerability to injury.These findings have important implications for mountain safety management. The clear temporal patterns suggest the need for enhanced safety measures during peak tourist seasons. The spatial concentration of accidents along specific routes indicates the necessity for targeted infrastructure improvements and may inform the strategic positioning of emergency response resources. Future research directions could include detailed analysis of weather-related factors and the development of predictive models for accident occurrence based on visitor numbers and environmental conditions. Additionally, comparative studies with other mountain regions could help establish broader patterns in tourist safety management.