METHODOLOGY FOR ANALYZING THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF VEHICLES AS A FACTOR OF CRIME IN THE FIELD OF TRAFFIC SAFETY

Abstract

This scientifi c study systematically analyzes the technical condition of vehicles and evaluates its impact on road traffi c accidents and crime in the fi eld of traffi c safety. The analysis is based on statistical data for the period 2020-2025. The introductory part of the work substantiates the critical role of the technical condition of vehicles as one of the key factors that directly aff ects the level of road safety and the dynamics of crime in this area. The relevance of this study is highlighted in the context of modern challenges associated with the increasing number of vehicles and traffi c intensity. The theoretical foundations of the analysis methodology cover a deep study of the conceptual apparatus, an analysis of existing scientifi c approaches to assessing the technical condition of vehicles, as well as an overview of the regulatory framework governing technical control and operation of vehicles in Ukraine and abroad. The section on data collection and processing methods describes in detail the sources of information used for the study. This includes statistical data on road traffi c accidents for 2020-2025, results of mandatory technical control, data from insurance company reports, as well as analysis of materials from criminal proceedings related to road accidents caused by technical malfunctions. It was established that there is a signifi cant correlation between the applied modern methods of statistical analysis and mathematical modeling for identifying patterns and correlations. The obtained results are consistent with data from other researchers in the fi eld of traffi c safety. Practical approaches to vehicle technical control are considered from the perspective of the eff ectiveness of existing mechanisms, the introduction of modern diagnostic tools and technologies, and the improvement of qualifi cations of specialists conducting technical inspections. Existing problems and shortcomings of the control system are analyzed, and ways to overcome them are proposed. A special emphasis is placed on the impact of technical condition on crime in the fi eld of traffi c safety. The research results showed that a detailed analysis is carried out of cases where vehicle malfunctions caused serious road accidents that resulted in deaths or injuries, as well as other off enses. This can be explained by the fact that systematic disregard for the technical condition of vehicles creates prerequisites for criminal off enses. Aspects of criminal legal qualifi cation of such acts are considered. Case study: Analysis of road accidents in Ukraine for 2020- 2024 is presented as a practical example of applying the developed methodology. The obtained data indicate that regional features, dynamics of changes, and the most common types of technical malfunctions causing accidents have been studied. Discrepancies in the dynamics of accidents in diff erent regions are further analyzed. Based on the obtained results, substantiated recommendations for improving the analysis methodology and practices of vehicle technical control are formulated, aimed at increasing the level of road safety, reducing accident rates, and eff ectively counteracting crime in this area. These results are important for government bodies, law enforcement agencies, and educational institutions. The section “Prospects for Development and Innovations” discusses the possibilities of introducing new technologies (artifi cial intelligence, remote technical condition monitoring systems, smart systems) to improve the eff ectiveness of accident prevention. The conclusion emphasizes that proper technical condition of vehicles is not only a critical factor for road safety but also an integral condition for ensuring the legality of traffi c and eff ective combating crime in the transport sector. The research results can be used by government bodies, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and public organizations for developing and implementing measures aimed at improving road safety.