Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution of Traffic Accidents in Serbia as a Function of Network Category

Abstract

Spatial differences in the frequency and structure of traffic accidents may indicate specific risks related to certain parts of the traffic network. This paper analyzes the spatial distribution and risk factors of traffic accidents in Serbia, with a special emphasis on the differences between urban and rural networks. The research was conducted for the police departments, where accidents were classified according to consequences (fatalities, injuries, material damage), type and cause. By comparing the share of different types of accidents in the total number of cases, territorial differences were obtained and dominant risks were observed, such as speed, which was recorded as the most common influencing factor on both urban and rural networks. Belgrade stands out as an example of an urban environment with a high share of accidents with material damage, but low mortality, while Zrenjanin, Prokuplje and Pančevo are the districts with the highest share of accidents with fatalities and injuries. The results of this research can serve as a good basis for defining preventive activities and selecting adequate measures for traffic risk management.