Padrões espaciais de sinistros de trânsito envolvendo ônibus em Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Traffic accidents represent a serious public health and road safety issue in urban areas. Considering the importance of bus-based public transportation for urban mobility, it is essential to investigate the safety of this mode of transport, particularly in large metropolitan centers. This study aims to conduct an analysis of the spatial patterns of traffic accidents involving buses and minibuses in Belo Horizonte (MG), with the purpose of identifying spatial distribution patterns of these events and their possible correlations with urban characteristics and road infrastructure. The methodology adopted involved processing and compiling databases from official records, followed by the application of descriptive statistical techniques and spatial analysis, including measures of global and local autocorrelation using Moran’s I and LISA. Based on the analyses carried out, critical zones of bus-related accidents were identified, notably in the Hypercenter, the northwestern region of Barreiro, the surroundings of São Gabriel Station, and the intersection between the Ring Road and Dom Pedro II Avenue. It was observed that areas with strong functional diversity, high employment density, the presence of structural corridors, and proximity to major trip-generating hubs concentrate higher accident densities, in line with the literature. The spatial autocorrelation analyses (Moran’s I and LISA) confirmed clustering patterns in central regions and along major road axes, indicating the influence of the built environment, accessibility, and modal integration on these events. These findings provide technical support for urban planning and public policies on road safety focused on public transportation, enabling targeted interventions in structurally more vulnerable areas.