Analyzing Traffic Patterns and Accident Hotspots in Isfahan: A Descriptive Study of Urban Traffic Dynamics

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify high-risk municipal districts for urban traffic accidents in Isfahan, Iran. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed in 2023, analyzing 7,613 prehospital emergency missions from the latter half of 2022. Data were collected using a validated checklist capturing demographic and mission-specific variables. Results: The majority of accident victims were male, with an average age of 33.09 +/- 17.31 years. Although Districts 10 and 8 had the highest frequency of accidents due to their size and population, their accident-to-population ratios were relatively low- particularly in District 8, which also reported older victim ages. In contrast, Districts 1, 3, and 9 exhibited disproportionately high accident-to-area and accident-to-population ratios, with District 3 ranking highest. District-level disparities reflected a complex interplay of infrastructure density, pedestrian activity, and localized mobility patterns. Conclusion: Urban traffic accident distribution in Isfahan is influenced not only by population size but also by the spatial positioning of commercial, recreational, historical, and healthcare hubs. Strategic relocation of high-traffic facilities may mitigate risk and support more equitable urban safety planning.