Problem: The influence of the human factor on accident rates in the Colombian territory was analyzed, and empirical evidence was identified for the formulation of public traffic policy. METHOD: The design is descriptive-correlational. Instruments: A behavior questionnaire (the D.B.Q.) for car drivers and motorcyclists, and a Likert-type survey. An intentional non-probabilistic sample: 16,322 individuals (8,631 vehicle drivers, 5,133 motorcyclists and 2,558 pedestrians, passengers, and accompanying persons). RESULTS: a) drivers with a higher educational level have a lower impact on the accident rate; b) pedestrians with a lower educational level exhibit more risky behaviors: c) women have a positive attitude and perceive the effectiveness of prevention campaigns; d) angry, anxious, risky and high-speed driving result in more traffic offenses and accidents; e) disobeying traffic signs is the main cause of accidents; f) aggressiveness, hostility and stress are factors tending to increase the likelihood of traffic accidents; g) prevention campaigns are not being heard by the more affected population. CONCLUSIONS and recommendations: The accident rate factors correspond to the Road Safety Triangle established by the UNO -human factor prominent in accident levels. Public policy guidelines based on educational and corporative processes leading to reduce the accident rate. Language: es