APPLICATION OF THE METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING BLACK SPOTS (HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS) WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF THE CITY OF NIŠ

The identification and analysis of locations with an elevated risk of traffic accidents represent one of the most important activities in the process of road infrastructure safety management. This paper presents the application of a methodology for the identification and ranking of black spots (hazardous locations) on the network of municipal roads and streets in the City of Niš, in accordance with the provisions of the Rulebook on the Methodology for Determining High-Risk Road Sections and the Identification and Ranking of Hazardous Locations (Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia, No. 68/2019). The methodological procedure included the collection and processing of traffic accident data, statistical analysis of road safety indicators, identification of locations with an above-average level of risk, their ranking according to predefined criteria, and the implementation of road safety inspections at the identified hazardous locations. Based on the analyses conducted, the predominant road safety issues were identified, and targeted infrastructural, organizational, and regulatory measures were proposed to improve traffic safety. The research findings provide a professional and analytical basis for decision-making in the field of road infrastructure management, the prioritization of investments, and the implementation of measures aimed at the systematic reduction of both the number and severity of traffic accidents within the territory of the City of Niš. The application of the proposed methodology confirms the importance of a proactive approach to the identification and treatment of high-risk locations, thereby contributing to the improvement of the overall level of road safety in an urban environment.