Abstract
The paper introduces the reader to the present traffic and traffic safety situation for St. Petersburg, Russia. Accidents statistics for the most recent years are presented with a brief discussion of possible contributing factors. The analysis leads the author to the following conclusions: (1) intersections are in general accident black spots; (2) pedestrian violations causes several accidents; (3) the absence of a high speed ring road is a significant contribution to the high level of accidents; (4) the insufficient amount of interchanges leads to conflicts and severe congestion's;and (5) the dramatic increase of traffic highlights the need for investment in an up to date traffic control system.