IMPACT OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE ON TRAFFIC SAFETY IN KASHKADARYA REGION

Abstract

Road traffic safety is a critical issue in urban areas, where increasing traffic volumes and complex road network structures contribute to a higher risk of traffic accidents. This study investigates the impact of road infrastructure conditions on traffic safety in the Kashkadarya region, using Karshi city as a case study. The research focuses on street intersection density as a key infrastructural indicator influencing traffic safety outcomes. Open-source road network data were extracted from OpenStreetMap and analyzed using Geographic Information System tools. A grid-based spatial approach was applied to calculate intersection density across the study area, and traffic accident statistics were integrated to assess safety performance. A relative risk index was used to quantify the relationship between intersection density and traffic accident occurrence. The results reveal a clear spatial association between high intersection density and elevated traffic risk levels, particularly in central and highly trafficked zones. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating spatial infrastructure indicators into traffic safety assessment and urban transport planning to support data-driven decision-making and targeted safety interventions.