Unveiling the impact of speed control cameras on urban crashes in Tabriz city, Iran: A GIS-based analysis

Crashes in Iran annually lead to devastating consequences, resulting in loss of life and significant property damage. To mitigate these impacts, the deployment of fixed and mobile speed control cameras has been adopted as a strategy to regulate traffic and improve road safety. The aim of this study was to examine the behavior of drivers when approaching speed control cameras and their influence on crash occurrence. Fatal crash data from three consecutive years (2020-2022) were collected and analyzed using the Geographic Information System (GIS) in Tabriz City. Approximately 27 speed cameras located in crash-spots were investigated within 100-meter sections, both preceding and following the cameras. The results showed a significant reduction in fatal crashes within a 500-meter radius before the speed control cameras. However, crashes were more frequent within distances ranging from 500 to 1000 meters before the cameras, primarily occurring during the night. After passing the cameras, daily crashes increased, with incidents primarily involving pedestrians due to driver inattention occurring within the 500-meter range after the camera's location. The present study not only emphasizes the potential of speed control cameras in promoting safer driving behaviors, but also stresses the importance of conducting further investigations on drivers’ behaviors after passing the speed control cameras to enhance road safety measures.