Assessing Regional Road Traffic Accident Risk in Albania: Trends, Severity, and Spatial Disparities (2019–2025)

Abstract

This study analyzes the temporal and regional patterns of road traffic accidents in Albania during the period 2019–2025 using descriptive statistical methods and a composite regional Risk Index. The research examines accident frequency, fatality rates, injury severity, and seasonal variation across Albanian regions to identify spatial disparities in road safety conditions. Monthly and annual trends reveal that road accidents remain a persistent public safety concern, with noticeable fluctuations across time and regions. The findings indicate that several regions experience disproportionately higher accident and fatality risks relative to their population size, while other regions display lower overall severity despite higher traffic density. To provide a more comprehensive assessment of regional road safety, the study develops a composite Risk Index combining accident rates, fatality rates, and severity indicators. Based on this index, regions were classified into low-, medium-, and high-risk categories. The results demonstrate significant regional inequalities in road traffic risk and highlight the importance of targeted road safety interventions and region-specific policy measures. Although the study is limited by the lack of detailed geospatial, traffic, and behavioral data, the proposed approach provides a useful framework for comparative regional road safety assessment in Albania.