Introduction:The classic conceptual frameworks have achieved a partially effective explanation and action on mortality due to traffic accidents (ta).New frameworks are needed for its understanding as a social phenomenon and its socio-spatial distribution, and would make effective the right to equitable, safe and sustainable transport.Objective: To establish the socio-spatial distribution of ta deaths in the Metropolitan District of Quito (mdq) in 2013 and its determining processes.Methodology: Through a multi-stage exploratory study: documentary review, database analysis, file link and survey of a relative of the deceased, ta mortality was analyzed for the mdq based on the categories of critical epidemiology: "socio-spatial segregation", "social class" and "epidemiological profile".Results: Important differences were found in mortality by homogeneous zone, rates of 7.84 and 18.82 per hundred thousand