Paper short abstract:

Based on fieldwork conducted on the island of Santiago in three different seasons of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, we analyze the HIACE intercity transport system in relation to various social contexts that explain it and the recurrence of road accidents.

Paper long abstract:

Based on fieldwork conducted on the island of Santiago in three different seasons of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, we analyze the private shared intercity transport system using HIACE vans (a term that we have been using in an emic perspective) in relation to various social contexts that explain it. The research is based on the fieldwork done around the HIACE "system" inside and outside these vehicles, inside and outside of the routes they take daily, and observing, participating, and interviewing the accompanying social spectrum that has a connection to it: passenger, drivers, employers, employees motorists, pedestrians, officials (politicians, police, transport), academics, government officials, ex-drivers etc..

This research aims to deepen the analysis of social processes and structural situations that lead to the outbreak of the road accident and try to clarify the reasons why the accident rate is much higher in certain areas than in others. As a backdrop, apart from the extreme importance of the system of ownership of the vehicle and the harsh conditions of the drivers and employees, there is also the struggle for space that occurs on the streets and highways between motorized vehicles and pedestrians.