Road transport system in the modern urban space (sociological analysis)

Increased road fatality is one of the socio-demographic problems. Therefore, the sustainability of the road transport system is a guarantee for road safety in the urban environment. Thus, the purpose of the article is to consider the problems of the road transport system from a sociological perspective. Theoretical and methodological analysis demonstrates that domestic and foreign researchers focus on the analysis of individual components. At the same time, there is a need for a comprehensive study of the road transport system, which is based on three components: the transport vehicle park, theroad transport infrastructure, and the road transport environment. The empirical framework of the study is based on official statistics and sociological survey “Road Safety” conducted by the Family and Demography Center at the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences. The survey shows the following results: low estimates of road quality and illumination determine the fact that these indicators are on top in the ranking of poor road conditions. In every third case, respondents note poor condition of roads, while technical aspects (lack of underground and land crossings, etc.) rank last. It is concluded that the increasing number of road traffic violations is primarily associated with the human factor, namely the violation of traffic rules by drivers. Based on the study, the following indicators of the state of the road transport system were identified: lack of mutual respect between pedestrians and drivers, mutual accusations of non-compliance with traffic rules; prevalence of negative values in the assessment of transport culture and lack of functionality of educational institutions in terms of transmitting the values and standards of safe road behavior; population’s dissatisfaction with the activities of the road patrol service and accusations of corruption and lack of professionalism. In conclusion, it is concluded that it is necessary to develop strategic areas for further development and increasing the efficiency of the road safety system as a social institution.