Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
36
9
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
36-45
DOI
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
22 May 2025
ACCEPTED
18 June 2025
PUBLISHED
20 July 2025
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue07 2025
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Future Trends in Traffic
Accidents in Iraqi Cities
(Najaf As A Model)
Lect. Dr. Fatima Jaroud Obeis Al-Ghazali
University of Kufa, College of Urban Planning, Iraq
Fayhaa Abdul-Hussein Hadi Alfatlawi
University of Kufa, College of Physical Education, Iraq
Abstract:
Traffic accidents are a topic of widespread
interest to scholars in geography, sociology, law,
medicine, and economics, due to their social,
economic, psychological, and health-related impacts,
as well as their multiple other effects. Najaf is one of
the Iraqi cities experiencing a consistently high rate of
traffic accidents. This is due to neglect and poor road
maintenance, in addition to the ever-increasing
number of vehicles, rapid population growth, and
ongoing migration to the city.
The study aims to predict and identify future trends in
traffic accidents in the city by relying on a set of
methods that indicate future expectations, the most
important of which is the forecast of population growth
and the number of cars, and the expansion of the urban
transportation network system in the city, and then
building strategies for transportation planning and
reducing the effects of traffic accidents in the city of
Najaf Al-Ashraf.
Introduction:
First: Theoretical Framework of the
Research
1: The Research Problem
The research problem revolves around the following
main question: "Are there future approaches to
addressing the problem of traffic accidents in the holy
city of Najaf?"
From this question, a set of sub-questions emerge,
including:
1. What will traffic accidents be like in the holy city of
Najaf in the future, up to the year 2040?
2. What strategies can be used to reduce the problem
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of traffic accidents in the holy city of Najaf?
3: The Research Hypothesis:
The research assumes the main hypothesis: There are
no traffic accident strategies in the holy city of Najaf,
which will lead to future social, economic, and urban
impacts, as well as material and human losses.
The secondary hypotheses include:
1. The holy city of Najaf will witness a sharp increase in
traffic accidents in the future, due to the increase in the
number of vehicles, coupled with the limited capacity
of the streets.
2. Strategies for addressing the problem of traffic
accidents in the holy city of Najaf include developing
solutions that relevant authorities can adopt, which will
mitigate the severity of traffic accidents in the future.
4: Significance of the Research:
The importance of the research is highlighted by:
1. Shedding light on future trends for addressing the
problem of traffic accidents in the holy city of Najaf.
2. Studying the prediction of the risks of traffic
accidents in the city.
3. Providing the results of the study to the relevant
authorities, to assist them in taking appropriate
measures to mitigate this problem.
5: Research Objectives:
The research aims to:
1. Analyze the prediction of the number of traffic
accidents in the holy city of Najaf and study their
various repercussions.
2. Propose future strategies and solutions to limit this
phenomenon and minimize its negative impacts.
3. Support decision-makers and relevant authorities
with accurate information that contributes to the
development of more effective policies to reduce traffic
accidents.
METHODOLOGY
The research methodology adopted a descriptive
approach, which included studying the reality of traffic
accidents. It also adopted a systems analysis approach,
which included a study of the development of traffic
accidents in the city of Najaf.
7: Spatial and Temporal Boundaries of the Research
The research area is the city of Najaf, located
astronomically between longitudes (19-44) degrees
east
and
latitudes
(59-31)
degrees
north.
Geographically, it is the center of Najaf Governorate,
bordered to the north by the city of Al-Haidariya (40
km), to the east by the city of Kufa (10 km), and to the
southeast by the city of Al-Mundhirah (25 km). See Map
(1). Temporally, the research boundaries are defined by
the period between 1024 and 2040.
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Map (1): Location of the city of Najaf in Iraq and Najaf Governorate
Source: Ministry of Water Resources, General Authority
for Survey, map of Iraq at a scale of 1:1,000,000, 2024.
Second: The reality of traffic accidents in the holy city
of Najaf:
The issue of traffic accidents has become increasingly
prominent among many specialists in traffic safety
studies, law, economics, sociology, health, and
geography, as they waste a significant portion of time
and financial resources and cause a huge loss to the
national economy. This problem requires extensive
analysis and interpretation due to its multiple causes.
The issue of accidents has gained significant attention
among specialists in transportation geography due to
its extreme importance, as evidenced by the increase in
their rates over the past years. Statistics indicate a
continuous increase in the number of traffic accidents
in the holy city of Najaf, due to the increase in the
number of vehicles. Cars witnessed a noticeable and
continuous increase during the period (2004-2024) as
the only means of transportation in the city, reaching
106,543 cars, all of which are of all types. These
numbers are still increasing due to two important
reasons: the increase in citizens’ income due to the
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increase in employees’ salaries, and the lack of a
transportation planning policy to determine how cars
enter. This has contributed to doubling the rate of
traffic accidents in the holy city of Najaf, especially
during major religious occasions. It also causes
significant environmental damage through increased
levels of air and noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
This has led to an increase in the rate of traffic accidents
recorded on the streets. During the period (2004-2024),
the rate of traffic accidents rose to 20,291, including
9,315 injuries, 1,211 deaths, and 9,765 rollovers. This
rate is still rising due to the continuous increase in the
number of cars and the inability of the streets to
accommodate them. Therefore, most traffic accidents
are concentrated in the main streets and intersections,
as these are the streets and intersections with the most
traffic in the city, despite its population reaching
1,221,248 people in 2024. Among the factors that
contributed to the increasing rate of traffic accidents in
the holy city of Najaf are:
1. The entry of large numbers of vehicles, especially
after 2003, led to a significant increase in the number
of vehicles on the roads.
2. Road users, both pedestrians and drivers.
3. Some members of the Najaf Traffic Directorate
issued driving licenses to persons under the age of 18
due to social connections. This allowed for reckless
driving, with no regard for the sudden dangers that
might occur on the roads.
4. Most of the cars that entered the city after 2003 are
modern models, equipped with all the necessary
services, such as television screens. Most of these
modern devices cause accidents that can lead to death,
as most drivers forget they are driving a car by getting
so used to watching television. 5. Old cars contribute to
accidents due to sudden breakdowns on the road while
driving.
6. Poor street and intersection planning, poor quality
paving, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient
capacity to accommodate the number of vehicles all
contribute to traffic accidents. Some streets and
intersections in the city are not planned according to
precise, scientific engineering methods.
7. Lack of compliance with traffic regulations and
instructions.
8. The lack of a transportation planning policy, as is the
case in all countries around the world.
Third: Future Projections for Traffic Accidents in the
Holy City of Najaf:
Based on the current data on vehicles and traffic
accidents in the Holy City of Najaf, future projections
for traffic accidents in the Holy City of Najaf can be
inferred by examining the following aspects:
1: Expectations of an Increase in the Population of the
Holy City of Najaf by 2040:
Based on the actual data on the population of the Holy
City of Najaf, we note that the city's population will
reach 1,899,685 people by 2040. This increase will
occur as a result of natural growth, as well as future
migration to the city, particularly from rural areas and
other neighboring governorates. This will lead to
pressure on the urban transportation system,
rendering it unable to accommodate the number of
vehicles, thus increasing the problem of traffic
accidents in the Holy City of Najaf.
* The researcher relied on the forecast equation to
estimate the population, which is:
Population of the desired city = City population in a
given year x (2.8%) + Total population of the city in the
same year. Note that the population growth rate for the
city of Najaf is 2.8%.
Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation,
Central Statistical Organization, Directorate, Babil
Governorate Statistics, Statistics and Information
Division, 2024.
2: Expected increase in the number of vehicles until
2040.
Since there will be an increase in the population of the
city, there will naturally be an increase in the number
of vehicles. The number of cars in the city of Najaf is
expected to increase based on the per capita share
equation, which is one vehicle for every three people,
even though the family size in the city exceeds five
people. Accordingly, the total number of vehicles in the
holy city of Najaf by 2040 will reach 655,423*. This is
due to the improvement and rise in the economic
income of families in the city and the large number of
private companies selling vehicles on installments,
especially to employees.
This will lead to significant pressure on the streets,
limiting their capacity to accommodate large numbers
of vehicles. This will exacerbate the problem of traffic
congestion and traffic accidents, especially during rush
hour and daily work trips.
*Researcher based on the following equation:
City population for a given year
Estimated number of vehicles = ____
Number of vehicles
Source: Ahmed Yahya Anouz, Spatial Analysis of
Transportation and Traffic in the Holy City of Karbala for
the Period 2003-2013: A Study in Urban Transport
Geography, PhD Thesis, College of Arts, University of
Kufa, 2016, p. 214.
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3: Expected numbers of tourists and visitors to the holy
city of Najaf until 2040.
Given the religious and touristic significance of the holy
city of Najaf, large numbers of tourists and visitors are
constantly flocking to it, with their numbers set to
double. The number of tourists and visitors to the holy
city of Najaf is expected to reach 30,600,000 by 2040,
both from inside and outside Iraq.
This will make the streets incapable of accommodating
the large number of vehicles, negatively impacting
traffic accidents and congestion, especially on roads
with poor service. Therefore, it is necessary to provide
the transportation services required for tourism
through organizing and planning to open new roads
capable of accommodating the large number of visitors
and tourists. This will reduce traffic congestion,
accidents, delays, and long waits, especially on main
streets that suffer from high traffic volumes. Especially
since the number of visitors and tourists reaches 3,000-
2,000 on Fridays and Saturdays, and increases during
special occasions, reaching 25,000,000 visitors during
major religious occasions, in addition to the number of
foreign tourists, who reach 4,500.
* The researcher relied on:
The equation for forecasting the number of visitors and
tourists according to the World Tourism Organization is
as follows:
Year x Growth Rate + Previous Year = Following Year
Where the growth rate is 7% according to World
Tourism Organization forecasts.
For more, see: Imad Aziz Mahdi, The Role of
Investments in Religious Tourism in the Holy City of
Karbala, 1. The expansion of residential complexes
primarily in the north and northwest of the city, which
are the areas with the greatest current and future
expansion.
2. The increase in migration rates to the city, with most
residents moving from districts and sub-districts to the
city. This contributes to rising housing rates and places
increasing and sustained pressure on transportation
services, thus increasing traffic accident rates.
3. Future expansion and ongoing urban sprawl at the
expense of agricultural lands surrounding the city of
Najaf. This has led, and will continue to lead, to the
emergence of new neighborhoods in the city.
4. Current and future residential expansion. This is
aimed at converting agricultural lands into residential
areas, particularly in the east and southwest of the city,
adjacent to the University of Babylon. However, this
expansion is less rapid than in other areas.
This expansion of the city will lead to increased travel
times, which will in turn increase traffic congestion and,
consequently, traffic accidents in the city of Najaf.
5: Traffic Forecasts in the City of Najaf until 2040:
Future traffic forecasts in the city are based on two
statistical methods, which provide a future picture of
the future traffic volume rates passing through the
city's street network. These are the trip generation
method using growth factors and the trip generation
method using multiple linear regression analysis. For
ease of application and to provide the necessary data,
we relied on the first method, which predicts trips
based on the proximity of the area designated for
future housing to the trip generation ratio (2). This
method was applied to determine the expected trip
ratio in Detroit, USA (Broton, 1987, p. 99). Applying the
trip generation method using growth factors revealed
that the number of trips generated in the city of Najaf
will reach 541,000 trips per day by 2040, which
represents a major traffic problem for the city and will
consequently create a problem with traffic accidents in
the future.
ـــــ
(*) It was extracted using the following equation:
Trip generation ratio (2) X area of the area designated
for future housing in the city
Number of future trips.
Trip generation ratio
Area of the area designated for future housing in square
meters
For more, see: Bruton, Michael J., Introduction to
Transportation Planning, translated by Dr. Imad Akram
Al-Hashemi and Eng. Ramzi Hamdi Sadr Al-Din,
Technical Institutes Foundation Press, Baghdad, 1987,
p. 99.
Fourth: Strategies for Dealing with Traffic Accidents in
the Holy City of Najaf:
Traffic accidents are a matter of concern to people,
whether in developed or developing societies.
Furthermore, the losses resulting from traffic accidents
are significant and varied, as they may be economic,
social, or psychological, meaning they include both
public and private property. Most traffic accident
statistics indicate that those injured in accidents are
between the ages of 15 and 29 years old, so the losses
are doubled (loss of life in addition to economic losses).
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that
traffic accidents cost approximately 3% of the world's
population and are the leading cause of death among
adults aged 15 to 29, who constitute the country's
productive class. Furthermore, the impact on families
can be devastating, as they may result in the loss of
their breadwinner or the care of the injured, which can
extend over long periods of time. Among the most
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important strategies for dealing with traffic accidents in
the holy city of Najaf are:
First: Psychological treatment:
Psychological treatment in Iraq does not play a
significant role in dealing with traffic accidents,
although it is an important part of the measures aimed
at mitigating the psychological impact of accidents on
those affected, whether they are drivers, passengers,
or even witnesses. Accidents not only affect physical
and material aspects, but may also leave long-term
psychological effects, such as shock, anxiety, and
depression. Attention must be paid to emergency
psychological support, i.e., immediate intervention
after the accident. After a traffic accident, especially if
the accident involves injuries or deaths, immediate
psychological support must be provided to those
affected. It is essential that affected individuals receive
long-term individual psychotherapy to deal with the
effects of the accident. Treatment can include
techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
to help individuals deal with negative thoughts and
anxiety, or treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD): when people experience severe psychological
distress after the accident, this helps the person reflect
on the impact of the accident and its effect on their
psyche and behavior. This leads to early removal of the
effects of the trauma.
There is also a need for psychological rehabilitation for
those injured who may suffer long-term psychological
effects as a result of accidents. If the accident resulted
in severe injury or permanent disability, psychological
support must be provided to the injured person to cope
with the resulting physical and psychological changes
(Al-Ashmawi, 1993, 23). Awareness campaigns should
also be launched in the holy city of Najaf to encourage
individuals to seek psychological help after accidents.
This can be achieved by organizing awareness
campaigns to inform Iraqi society of the psychological
effects of traffic accidents, reducing the social stigma
surrounding psychological treatment, and encouraging
those who have experienced accidents to seek help.
This can be achieved by using the media (television,
internet, advertisements) to promote methods of
preventing the psychological effects that can follow
accidents, and informing them that psychological
treatment is part of recovery. It has been shown that
appropriate psychological support reduces the negative
psychological effects resulting from accidents, which
contributes to improving quality of life and promoting
mental health in the holy city of Najaf, and reduces the
negative impacts on productivity and the local
economy. Therefore, attention to the psychological
aspect after accidents is a necessary step towards
building a more cohesive and stable society. Second:
Legal Remedies:
Traffic laws play a fundamental role in regulating traffic
and reducing traffic accidents in Iraq, including the holy
city of Najaf. Legal remedies focus on identifying
responsibilities, imposing penalties, compensating
those affected, and promoting compliance with safety
measures to ensure a safer traffic environment.
According to Article (31) of the law, penalties are
increased for violators who cause accidents resulting in:
deaths or serious injuries. Penalties range from
imprisonment for several years to high fines, depending
on the severity of the accident, and significant damage
to public or private property. This entails compensation
to the state or individuals for the material losses
resulting from the accident.
The application of penalties and compensation in
accordance with Iraqi law contributes to deterring
drivers from committing violations, reducing the rate of
accidents and ensuring the protection of the rights of
those affected. Furthermore, increasing penalties for
serious accidents is an effective means of promoting
compliance with traffic rules and achieving a safer
traffic environment in the holy city of Najaf and all Iraqi
cities (Al-Humaidan, 2006, 327). The introduction of
smart monitoring systems in accordance with Iraqi
Traffic Law No. (8) of 2019 has also been implemented.
Smart monitoring systems are considered a modern
tool that helps control traffic violations and enhance
public safety on the roads, including in the holy city of
Najaf.
In addition, enhancing traffic control with smart signal
systems, according to Article (27) of the Traffic Law,
regulating intersections using smart signals is a
fundamental solution for reducing traffic congestion
and improving traffic flow, especially in areas with high
traffic density. This reduces traffic chaos that could lead
to accidents by regulating priorities between vehicles
and pedestrians, and reducing sudden stops, which are
a major cause of accidents within cities. The Iraqi Traffic
Law emphasizes that the use of modern monitoring
systems is part of efforts to achieve a safer traffic
environment. However, this is inconsistent with the
nature of Hillah. Furthermore, implementing these
systems is challenging in Iraq, especially in the holy city
of Najaf, leading to an increase in the rate of accidents,
which necessitates the imposition of severe penalties
to protect people's lives. Drivers are also required to
adhere to traffic regulations, such as traffic lights,
speed limits, and priority crossings, to reduce accidents
and ensure safety. The law also sets strict penalties for
violators, including fines, license revocation, and even
imprisonment in serious cases. Thus, traffic regulations
and legal legislation form an integrated system aimed
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at enhancing traffic safety, reducing road risks, and
achieving a safe traffic environment in the holy city of
Najaf and all Iraqi cities. Legal guidelines and
procedures aimed at ensuring driver safety and
reducing
traffic
accidents
include
defining
responsibilities and penalties for violators, providing
compensation to those affected, and ensuring the
rights of all parties involved in an accident. This is
achieved through the application of the law and the
punishment of those responsible.
The media must be used as an effective tool to
educate drivers about the laws and safety guidelines
under the Iraqi Traffic Law. This can be achieved
through media programs, such as awareness campaigns
on television, radio, and social media. This helps
disseminate necessary information about traffic laws,
raise awareness of the dangers of reckless driving, and
the importance of adhering to safety rules. The media
also contributes to raising awareness about the
penalties imposed on violators and the importance of
cooperation to maintain a safe traffic system. This is an
essential part of protecting lives, preserving traffic
order, reducing accidents, and ensuring a safe traffic
environment for both drivers and pedestrians.
The most prominent of these guidelines include the
following:
• Obtaining a valid driver's license after passing both
the theoretical and practical tests.
• Adhering to the speed limit and not exceeding the
speed limit on various roads.
• Using a seatbelt requires all passengers in the vehicle
to wear one, especially in the front seats.
• Avoid using a mobile phone while driving; only
headsets or hands-free technology are permitted.
• Driving carefully in adverse weather conditions such
as rain or sandstorms.
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or dr
ugs,
as severe penalties are imposed on violators.
• Pay attention to pedestrian safety by giving priority to
pedestrians, especially in pedestrian crossings or at
traffic lights.
• Adhere to traffic signals, whether lighted or manual.
Third: Economic Treatments:
Traffic accidents represent a major challenge affecting
the economy of the city of Najaf and Iraq in general,
causing significant financial losses that cast a shadow
over infrastructure and society. According to statistics
from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning for 2021, 10,659
traffic accidents were recorded, resulting in 2,709
deaths, representing 25.4% of the total recorded
accidents, reflecting the extent of the human and
material losses resulting from this phenomenon (Al-
Humaidan, 2006, 223). To reduce traffic accidents and
boost the local economy, it is essential to adhere to
traffic laws, pay attention while driving, and perform
regular
vehicle
maintenance.
Developing
infrastructure, improving lighting, and using modern
technologies such as smart signal systems and traffic
monitoring are also effective solutions that contribute
to reducing the rate of accidents. Implementing these
measures will help protect lives and property and
enhance the economic stability of the city of Najaf and
Iraq in general.
By improving infrastructure, enhancing traffic
awareness, and adopting modern technologies in road
management, accidents can be reduced, which will
positively impact the local economy and support
sustainable development in Iraq in general (Al-
Amshawi, 1993, 34). Adopting effective economic
strategies to address this problem is crucial. These
strategies include investing in smart infrastructure,
strengthening traffic awareness programs, developing
more efficient insurance mechanisms to ensure fair
compensation, tightening traffic regulations, and
enhancing long-term monitoring to ensure compliance
with safety measures.
Economic solutions play a vital role in reducing traffic
accidents in the holy city of Najaf. However, achieving
this requires an integrated approach encompassing
several key aspects, such as developing road
infrastructure, strengthening insurance systems,
improving healthcare services, and updating traffic laws
and regulations to ensure a safer traffic environment.
With the increasing rate of accidents and the associated
economic losses, both directly through treatment costs
and compensation, and indirectly through the impact
on productivity and development, addressing this
problem from an economic perspective becomes
essential. Investing in traffic safety and modern
infrastructure not only contributes to protecting lives
but also enhances economic and social stability in
Hillah, which positively impacts society as a whole. (Al-
Mutair, 2006, p. 33)
Insurance is an important economic tool that helps
mitigate the financial impact of traffic accidents. It also
directly impacts the economy by regulating risks and
reducing financial losses. Compulsory insurance is a
type of insurance imposed by the competent
authorities on vehicle owners, which must be obtained
before operating a vehicle. The primary objective of this
insurance is to protect the rights of parties harmed in
traffic accidents. It obligates insurance companies to
financially compensate those affected, rather than
burdening the person responsible for the accident with
all the costs (Al-Bayati, 2010, p. 45). This system is
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considered an effective tool for achieving social justice,
as it ensures victims receive prompt and fair
compensation without having to resort to courts or
engage in lengthy legal disputes. Furthermore,
compulsory insurance enhances confidence in the
insurance sector by providing financial protection for
society and reducing disputes between affected parties
(Mansour, 2007, p. 63).
Insurance is considered a tool for reducing economic
losses, as the huge financial losses caused by accidents
cause a deficit in the economy due to repair costs,
injury compensation, and medical expenses. However,
vehicle insurance helps distribute these costs among
the insured, reducing the financial burden on
individuals and the state and contributing to economic
stability (Wael, 2002, p. 10).
Street infrastructure plays a pivotal role in influencing
the national economy, whether by reducing or
increasing financial burdens. In the holy city of Najaf,
improving and maintaining roads can help reduce
accidents caused by infrastructure defects such as
potholes and landslides, reducing physical and material
damage and thus limiting repair and treatment costs.
Providing clear and effective traffic signals also helps
regulate traffic and reduce accidents, leading to lower
associated costs. Iraq, particularly Najaf, needs to
strengthen traffic safety awareness campaigns, as
adherence to traffic rules and safe driving are key
factors in reducing accident rates, which have positive
economic impacts. Reducing accidents through
awareness helps reduce economic costs associated
with healthcare, car repairs, and insurance claims,
alleviating financial burdens on individuals and the
state and enhancing the city's economic stability.
Fourth: Planning Solutions:
Planning solutions for traffic accidents in the holy city
of Najaf include a set of strategies and measures aimed
at improving traffic safety and reducing accidents
through organizing and designing the physical
environment, as well as enhancing traffic awareness
and education. These include the following:
1. Improving and Developing the Street Network.
Improving the infrastructure in the holy city of Najaf,
like other Iraqi cities, requires developing and
improving the street network through implementing
periodic maintenance programs aimed at repairing
potholes and eliminating unidentified bumps that could
lead to accidents (Jaber, 2011, p. 16). Improving the
quality of the street surface directly contributes to
reducing accidents resulting from its deteriorating
condition. Widening streets and avenues is an effective
solution for alleviating traffic congestion, especially in
vital areas of the city. With the increasing number of
vehicles, it becomes necessary to develop the
infrastructure and enhance traffic safety, which
contributes to reducing the risks resulting from driving
in unsafe conditions. 2. Improving intersections and
traffic systems in the holy city of Najaf. Intersections
and junctions are vital points that directly impact traffic
flow. Therefore, it is essential to redesign these
intersections to ensure improved vehicle flow and
reduced congestion, especially in areas with high traffic
density. This can be achieved by constructing
overpasses and tunnels that reduce vehicle
interference, contributing to lower accident rates and
enhancing public safety.
1. The introduction of smart traffic signal systems is an
important step toward developing the city's
infrastructure. Based on traffic analysis and congestion
levels, they contribute to improving vehicle flow and
reducing accidents resulting from sudden stops or
unclear signals, enhancing the efficiency and safety of
Najaf's streets.
2. Najaf requires an integrated planning approach to
address traffic challenges and reduce accidents. This
includes developing infrastructure by improving road
quality, widening streets, and enhancing lighting to
ensure a safer traffic environment. Improving traffic
management by regulating intersections, providing
alternative routes, and adopting smart signal systems is
also essential to reducing congestion and accidents. In
addition, legislation must be developed and strict
vehicle safety standards enforced, along with enhanced
training and awareness programs for drivers and
pedestrians. The integration of modern technologies,
such as smart monitoring systems and data analysis,
contributes to improving accident response and
prevention. Implementing these integrated measures
not only saves lives but also reduces the economic
burden resulting from traffic accidents, achieving
sustainable development for Najaf. 3. Identifying and
Analyzing Traffic Accident Areas in the City of Najaf.
Traffic accidents represent a major challenge in the city
of Hillah, necessitating an analytical approach to
identify high-risk areas and take the necessary
measures to reduce them (Mansour, 2007, p. 127). By
collecting and analyzing accident data, locations with
frequent accident rates can be identified and effective
solutions developed, such as improving night lighting,
adding protective barriers, or modifying road designs to
enhance traffic safety. A smart monitoring system is an
essential tool for improving traffic management in the
city. Surveillance cameras and sensors can be used to
monitor accidents and potential hazards in real time,
allowing relevant authorities to take prompt corrective
action and reduce the likelihood of further accidents,
thus improving road safety in the city of Najaf.
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4. Improving Street Lighting in the City of Najaf. Good
lighting is an essential element in enhancing traffic
safety in the city, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Providing adequate road lighting contributes to
improving visibility at night, helping drivers and
pedestrians avoid hazards and reducing the likelihood
of nighttime accidents. Smart lighting systems can be
adopted that automatically adapt to street conditions,
increasing lighting intensity in congested or high-risk
areas. This approach helps improve energy efficiency
while ensuring adequate lighting levels, enhancing road
safety at all times.
5. Organizing and using alternative roads is essential in
the city of Najaf, especially when major traffic accidents
occur. The availability of alternative routes helps
alleviate traffic congestion and prevent bottlenecks
that could increase the likelihood of further accidents.
Therefore, effective traffic plans should be developed
to quickly direct vehicles toward alternative routes
while providing clear guidelines to ensure smooth
traffic flow.
Fifth: Cultural Treatments:
Traffic culture is an essential element in reducing
accidents and enhancing road safety. Community
awareness and adherence to traffic laws contribute to
reducing risks and ensuring a safer traffic environment.
To achieve this, integrated awareness strategies must
be adopted that include education, media, and
community initiatives. 1. Promoting traffic culture
through education and incorporating traffic safety
concepts into school curricula, to educate students on
the basics of safe driving and adhering to traffic signals,
and organizing training courses for new drivers to
familiarize them with traffic rules and the importance
of adhering to warning signs and holding awareness
competitions in schools and universities to promote the
concept of safe driving among young people. Media
and its role in spreading traffic culture through
awareness campaigns on television, radio, and social
media (Abdul Qader, 2020, p. 54) that focus on the
dangers of excessive speed, reckless driving, and the
importance of wearing a seatbelt and producing
documentaries and awareness programs that highlight
the impact of traffic accidents on individuals and
society, and the importance of respecting traffic laws
and publishing interactive digital content on social
media platforms, such as short videos and illustrations
about the most serious traffic violations.
1. Mosques and cultural centers can play a prominent
role in spreading awareness about the ethical
responsibility of safe driving. This can be achieved
through sermons and awareness lectures, and through
organizing workshops and seminars in cooperation with
civil society organizations to educate citizens about the
importance of adhering to traffic rules. Community
initiatives such as "The Ideal Driver" can be launched,
rewarding committed drivers and highlighting positive
behavior (Al-Shamaileh, 2009, 143).
2. Honoring drivers who adhere to traffic laws through
campaigns and awards, which encourage others to
adopt correct behaviors and promote the concept of
defensive driving, which relies on caution and
anticipating risks to avoid accidents. This can be
achieved through awareness campaigns and training
workshops, and organizing awareness initiatives in
public places such as parks, markets, and shopping
malls, to deliver direct messages about the importance
of adhering to traffic rules.
3. The importance of strengthening partnerships
between
government
agencies,
educational
institutions, and media institutions to spread the
culture of traffic safety more widely, updating training
curricula in driving schools to include the latest safe
driving techniques, and expanding the use of road signs
and awareness posters on streets and in public places
to enhance the awareness of drivers and pedestrians
(Al-Arabi, 2011, p. 16).
4. Promoting traffic culture contributes to reducing
accident rates, protecting lives, and reducing the
economic costs associated with injuries and material
losses. By combining education, media, and community
initiatives, the city of Hillah can become a model for
achieving a safe and disciplined traffic environment,
contributing to promoting stability and development in
Iraq.
RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Results:
1. Traffic accidents are a serious problem, causing a
(3%) increase in the number of deaths, with more than
(3) thousand people dying in 2024 across Iraqi cities,
including the holy city of Najaf. 2. The highest month
recorded for traffic accidents is September, with an
accident rate of 10.1%. This is due to the start of school
and daily school trips.
3. Most accidents occur on the city's main streets, as
these are more exposed to vehicle traffic and are also
more prone to various land uses.
4. Traffic accident rates will significantly increase in
Najaf by 2040 due to the high population growth rates,
population distribution, and trends, as well as the
increase in the number of cars due to improved
purchasing power, which allows for car ownership. A
family's share will be more than one.
5. Street maintenance work is a cause of traffic
accidents, causing traffic congestion and sudden
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Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Fundamentals
closures of some streets in the city.
6. Traffic accidents are most common in the city during
September, which coincides with the start of school and
university days. Moreover, the most common time for
accidents is during the morning rush hour, when the
work day begins, and the second peak hour, when the
work day ends.
Recommendations:
1. Enact laws and regulations that will reduce traffic
accidents, as penalties for violators must be increased.
2. Emphasize the use of seat belts and prohibit the use
of mobile phones while driving.
3. Conduct periodic technical inspections of vehicles to
ensure their suitability for safe driving.
4. Adhere to traffic rules and priorities.
5. Avoid driving while under the influence of extreme
fatigue and exhaustion.
6. Establish a modern road network that
accommodates the number of vehicles and their
potential future increase.
7. Prepare streets and equip them with sidewalks,
lighting, traffic signs, signals, and digital thermal
cameras to detect traffic violations that could lead to
traffic accidents.
8. Establish controls, a plan, and a policy for importing
cars, and scrap old models by following a plan
developed by the Ministry of Planning.
9. Driving licenses should only be granted to those over
the age of 18, who must complete rigorous driving
courses to qualify for driving.
10. Strengthening the skills of some traffic police
personnel by enrolling them in courses designed to
improve their performance and enhance their
experience.
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