The effects of motorway network development of traffic accident costs in Croatia

Sa？etak The basic objective of this research is to explore the contribution of motorway network development in minimizing accident costs. Results of the study are based on Croatian experience. The likelihood of a statistically negative correlation between the total motorway length and traffic accident costs will be investigated through observation of variations in the total length of motorways and the number and type of accidents that occurred. The results are based on statistical methods of regression and correlation analysis. The analysis spans the period between 2000 and 2013. The conducted regression analysis has confirmed that one newly constructed kilometre of motorways results in a decrease of social accident costs by 761,488 €. The gathered data suggest that the expected effects of further construction of Croatian motorway network on traffic safety are lessening, so in order to increase traffic safety further measures to improve traffic culture of all traffic participants should be implemented with more vigour