Geographical distribution assessment of traffic conflicts in Mashhad city districts

Every year, a part of the national capital of the country is lost due to the disorders of traffic. An important part of the traffic disorders is caused by the improper behavior of some users of urban transport system. Such a situation is contrary to the principles of smart growth and urban sustainability. The study of traffic conflicts as a symbol of the Society culture of traffic can lead city planners to get right decisions. The aim of this study is determining of the geographical distribution of traffic conflicts in Mashhad city and finding logical relationship between district geographical characteristics and the rate of traffic conflicts. The theoretical basis of this research is the theory of urban smart growth. This study in data collection and data assessment part is an evaluation research and it placed at practical research in part of results. The research method is descriptive - analytical study. Traffic conflict data collection was down by filming method and traffic volume data were achieved of Mashhad database system for intelligent control of traffic signals. Statistical sample includes 26 of total 189 signalized intersections of Mashhad city which two important types of traffic conflict rates were determined on them. Also geographical distribution assessment of traffic conflicts was done by GIS and assessing of relationship between district geographical characteristics and the rate of traffic conflicts was done by SPSS software. The research results revealed that geographical distribution of traffic conflicts in different districts are not the same and the rate of traffic conflicts in the Central city areas is more due to traffic cultural diversity and drivers who are unfamiliar to city network streets. Also it is revealed that there is a direct relationship between the rate of traffic conflicts and Population density.