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Road safety audit of a rural road

Article in International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology · January 2017

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2017, pp. 752-761, Article ID: IJCIET_08_04_087
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=4
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

ROAD SAFETY AUDIT OF A RURAL ROAD

N. Naveen
Assistant Professor, Aurora’s Engineering College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin

B.Tech, Aurora’s Engineering College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

ABSTRACT
From the actual conditions of rural road accident in our country, it shows that the
current rural road safety is facing the grim situation and emphasizes the need of
conduct rural road safety audit. This article analyzes the factors effecting safety in
rural road accidents from human, vehicle, road, external environment and the other
factors, summarizes the connotation and the steps of rural road traffic safety audit. It
divides the contents of rural road traffic safety audit into two parts: newly built and
rebuilt rural roads & the existing rural road traffic safety audit. Finally, this project
aims at these problems existing in implementation process of rural road & proposes
the corresponding solutions to support the work of rural road traffic safety audit.
Key words: Accident, Environment, Road Safety Audit, Rural Roads, Road Safety.
Cite this Article: N. Naveen, M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin, Road Safety
Audit of a Rural Road. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology,
8(4), 2017, pp. 752-761.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=4

1. INTRODUCTION
India with 1,05,725 fatalities per annum (in year 2006), accounts for about 10 percent of total
world’s road fatalities. The share of NH and SH in the total road network is just 6 percent but
these cater to 70 to 75% of total road traffic in India. However, the NH’S, which constitute
less than 2% of the total road network, account for 20% of total road accidents and 25% of
total road traffic fatalities occurring on Indian roads. The road safety situation in India is
worsening. Accidents, fatalities and casualties have been increasing dramatically over last 20
years.
A road is considered safe when only a few - or, in the best case, no accident occurs. Each
element, constituting many factors within, contribution (in percentage) in the occurrence of
accidents is presented in Table.

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 Road Safety Audit of a Rural Road

Table 1 Percentage-Wise Contribution of Various Elements in Road Accidents

Elements Percentage

Road User 65.0

Road & Surroundings 2.5
Vehicle 2.5
Road User, Road & Surroundings 24.0
Road User and Vehicle 4.5
Road User, Road & Surroundings and Vehicle 1.5

Road safety audit has the greatest potential for improving safety when it is applied to a
road or traffic design before the project is built. Purpose of the audit is to look at the accident
potential and safety performance of the proposal. It is a formal process using a defined
procedure and not an informal check. To be effective, it must be conducted by persons who
have appropriate expertise, experience and training and who are independent of the design
team. An audit may also be conducted on an existing road, since it permits hazards to be
identified and opportunity becomes available to identify preferred road engineering measures
to improve safety.

Table 2 The overall accident data from the sources showing the increased rate of accidents.

Year Number of accidents Number of persons No of persons

killed per 100
accident
Fatal(Figures killed Injured
Total within
brackets give
percentage of
total)
2001 405637 71219(17.6) 80888 405216 19.9
2002 407497 73650(18.1) 84674 408711 20.8
2003 406726 73589(18.1) 85998 435122 21.1
2004 429910 79357(18.5) 92618 464521 21.5
2005 439255 83491(19.0) 94968 465282 21.6
2006 460920 93917(20.4) 10549 496481 22.9

Existing road also can be audited to assess their accident potential. It provides a
systematic way of being proactive in reducing the future likelihood of accidents. Report
should highlight those problems, which are considered so urgent that they require immediate
attention. Issues and problems will vary, depending on the road's environment, the
topography and terrain.
First Information Reports (FIR) should be collected from the concerned police stations on
the identified stretches. The main aim of the road safety audit is to identify and address any
road safety issues. The specific purpose of the safety audit study is:
 To ensure a high level of safety in road project
 To minimize the accident risk on the road network
 To promote the safety to all road users

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 N. Naveen, M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin

2. DATA USED
Road safety audit was conducted from place Bhongir to Chityal i.e. (Nalgonda District, India)
where the road conditions are known and safety measures to be reported.

Figure 1 This road is from Bhongir to Chityal(i.e. two lane road of 3.5m of each lane) which will
connect the National Highway no: 9 which is of 45 km from Bhongir to Chityal and the rest of the
road is on National Highway no 9.

2.1. Collection of Previous Accident Data

Accident data was collected from the First information reports (FIR) of police stations on the
identified stretches. Database was created for analysis of day wise, month wise, year wise,
km wise distribution of accidents. This helped in identifying the locations experiencing
higher accident frequency. The data acquired from FIR reports are shown below in the tables:

Table 3 Accident data from Valigonda Police Station, Year 2015

S.NO CRIME SECTION INJURED DEATH PLACE OF TYPE OF DATE
NO. OF LAW ACCIDENT VEHICLE
1 189 IPC 338 1 0 Valigonda main Lorry hits 15-11-2015
road motor cycle
2 190 304/A 0 1 Edullagudem Lorry hits 17-11-2015
motor cycle
3 203 338 2 0 Valigonda Auto hits bike 04-12-2015
(venkateshwara
colony)
4 216 337 1 0 Edullagudem Car hits boy 19-12-2015
(pedestrian)
5 219 338,304/A 1 1 Valigonda Car hits bike 20-12-2015
Govt. Jr.college
6 225 304/A 0 2 Mamdapuram Truck hits 26-12-2015
auto
7 231 338 4 0 Valigonda Lorry hits car 31-12-2015

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 Road Safety Audit of a Rural Road

Table 4 Accident data from Valigonda Police Station, Year 2016

S NO CRIME SECTION INJURED DEATH PLACE OF TYPE OF DATE
NO. OF LAW ACCIDENT VEHICLE
1 1 338 5 0 Valigonda Car hits truck 07-01-2016
center
2 9 337,338 2 0 Kammagudem Bike hits tree 14-02-2016
3 15 304/A 0 1 Valigonda Auto hits bike 25-02-2016
Govt. college
4 19 337,304/A 1 1 Nagaram Bike hits 03-03-2016
village lorry
5 34 304/A 0 1 Valigonda bus Bike hits bike 14-03-2016
stop
6 35 338 2 0 Valigonda main Lorry hit bike 02-04-2016
centre
7 57 337 2 0 Nagaram Bike hits auto 17-04-2016

Table 5 Accident data from Ramannapet Police Station, Year 2014

S.NO CRIME SECTION INJURED DEATH PLACE OF TYPE OF DATE
NO. OF LAW ACCIDENT VEHICLE
1 10 337 4 0 Bogaram lorry hits auto 21-01-2014
2 53 337 3 0 Ramannapet car hits bike 12-03-2014
3 55 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet bike hits lorry 15-06-2014
centre
4 153 304/A 0 2 Ramannapet Lorry hits car 11-12-2014
(ideal)

Table 6 Accident data from, Ramannapet Police Station, Year 2015

S.NO CRIME SECTION INJURED DEATH PLACE OF TYPE OF DATE
NO. OF LAW ACCIDENT VEHICLE
1 9 338 2 0 Ramannapet Truck hits 07-01-2015
market bike
2 19 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Lorry hits 26-01-2015
pedestrian
3 25 337 1 0 Ramannapet Bike hits bi- 16-03-2015
cycle
4 61 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Scooty hits 30-04-2015
man
5 65 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Lorry hits 05-05-2015
bike
6 66 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Car hits man 10-05-2015
7 76 337 2 0 Bogaram Car hits bike 29-05-2015

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 N. Naveen, M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin

Table 7 Accident data, Ramannapet Police Station, Year 2016

S.NO CRIME SECTION INJURED DEATH PLACE OF TYPE OF DATE
NO. OF LAW ACCIDENT VEHICLE
1 18 337 1 0 Ramannapet RTC bus hits 09-02-2016
(railway station) man
2 22 337 2 0 Ramannapet Car hits bike 17-02-2016
centre
3 29 337 2 0 Ramannapet Bike hits tree 04-03-2016
(petrol bunk)
4 40 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Two bike hits 03-04-2016
5 52 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Bike hits lorry 12-05-2016
6 61 337 4 0 Bogaram Truck hits bus 03-06-2016
7 69 337 5 0 Ramannapet Auto hits bike 20-06-2016
8 74 304/A 0 1 Ramannapet Lorry hits bike 15-11-2016
9 158 337 2 0 Ramannapet Bike hits lorry 26-12-2016
From all the above data, it can be clearly seen that the fatal accident occurs mainly when
there is an involvement of heavy vehicles. Mainly the speed of the vehicles at sharp curves is
the cause of the accidents and these are acting as a blind spot.

Table 8 Average Traffic Volume on The Study Area

Time Heavy Truck Bus 4-wheeler 3-wheeler 2-wheeler
truck
0-10 min 3 4 2 0 3 4
10-20 min 0 2 1 2 0 2
20-30 min 2 0 3 2 0 1
30-40 min 1 4 0 1 3 3
40-50 min 0 1 1 3 0 2
50-60 min 0 2 2 2 1 1
60-70 min 4 0 1 1 4 2
70-80 min 1 1 0 0 2 3
80-90 min 2 3 1 4 1 3
90-100 min 1 1 0 2 3 5
100-110 min 0 3 2 0 0 1
110-120 min 0 2 0 0 1 4
Total No. Of
Vehicles 14 22 13 17 18 31

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 Road Safety Audit of a Rural Road

Figure 2 Graphical Representation of Traffic Volume

The above graph shows the number of vehicles counted during the volume count survey.
It shows that the rate of 2 wheelers is high when compared to all the vehicles. Then next goes
to trucks and other vehicles.

2.2. Identification of Blackspots

The procedure for identification of hazardous locations is called as black spots. The
procedure described is based on recorded accidents, data about accidents, traffic volumes and
vehicle-kilometers.
Some images with the specifications of the road are brought out below. These illustrate
that safety is influenced by a complex interaction of elements and that the standards do not
necessarily result in the safest possible design.

Figure 3 Image Shows the Sharp Curve at Nagaram Village With 60 Meters Inner Curve Radius

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 N. Naveen, M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin

Figure 4 Image Shows the Sharp Curve at Valigonda Village With 57 Meters Inner Curve Radius.

Figure 5 Image Shows the Sharp Curve at Valigonda Village with 60 Meters Inner Curve Radius and
75 meters’ outer curve with 6.8 meters’ width road

Figure 6 Image Shows the Sharp Curve at Mamdapuram Village with 70 Meters Inner Curve Radius
and 75 meters’ outer curve with 7 meters’ width road
The sharp bending curves are the major accident causing elements. Here as the curve
radius is very less for the fast-moving heavy vehicles, it causes some blind effect for the
drivers and they cannot see the coming vehicles from the opposite side. In addition to these
due to the centrifugal force the vehicle is thrown out the regular path and making them to use
wider area at curves. The road side hazards like tress also the cause for the accidents in these
areas

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 Road Safety Audit of a Rural Road

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Speed survey of the vehicles is done at these areas to know the spot speed of the vehicles. For
this speed of the vehicles during 100-meter area is observed. The following are the observed
survey speed of the vehicles:

Table 9 Spot speed of vehicles

Vehicle type Speed(Km/Hr)
Heavy vehicles 45
Trucks 50
Bus/6 wheeler 45
Four-wheeler 68
Three-wheeler 36
Two-wheeler 43

3.1. Checklist of This Project for Finding out the Faults and Recommendations
 The feasibility study has been carried out on existing rural road from Bhongir to Nalgonda
which is of 45km.The road is intended to carry high speed traffic. The road consists of mixed
traffic which includes bicycles and significant pedestrian traffic.
 Appropriate design standards have not been used having regards to the scope of the project,
and its function in relation to the mixed traffic. Design parameters are not followed correctly.
Design for the design volume and traffic characteristic are not suitable.
 Turning volumes are not safe at available location, in relation to the expected turning
volume.

3.1.1. Cross-Sections
 The cross-falls are appropriate because the drainage is very good. There a suitable gutter
gradient or is the carriageway laid at a suitable height above the shoulder.
 The requirements on safe distances to carriageway and cycle path been observed and the
cycle paths are not present.
 Breakaway safety devices have been proposed in a proper manner where the accidents are
prevented.

3.1.2. Signs and Markings and Lighting

 A marking does not consistent along the entire road section in this road. The information is
not clear where the signs are present the road markings too.
 There are no enough signs present in the road due to insufficient of the road signs the
accident are occurring.
 Illumination is very bad in this area, causing the less visibility during night times. This
causing the accidents to cattle and pedestrians during night road crossings
 All traffic signs are not clearly visible and are prominently did not displayed for the intended
road users.
 There are situations where traffic signs themselves are obstructing essential 'Line of Sight'
for drivers and pedestrians.
 All-important junctions are not provided with advance direction sign, distance information
sign and intersection sign etc.

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 N. Naveen, M. Rajesh, M. Srinivas, Md. Fasioddin

 Adequacy and visibility of road markings, during day/night time and in wet/ dry weather
conditions suitable.
 The directional arrows are not at all marked on the pavement guiding the driver or creating
confusion to the driver.

3.1.3. Junctions, Interchanges

 The road users coming from all directions (including side roads) will not be able to see that
they are approaching a conflict area. The routes of road users through the junction seem to
not clear for all directions and manoeuvres.
 There is no sufficient space for all types of vehicles to undertake all manoeuvres and the
overtaking of the vehicle. The crossing facilities for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic are
not adequate and safe.
 The surface and carriageway markings are not in the good condition for the road users. There
are no signs that road users drive over islands or kerbs or that the routes taken by motorists
through junctions and bends are less than ideal.
 The specified distances to rigid obstacles are not maintained for all groups of road Users.
 Overtaking opportunities are not available for heavy vehicles where volumes are high.

3.1.4. Roadside Hazards

 There is a degree of hazard associated with large trees, boulders, etc. and whether these can
be treated to improve roadside safety. The trees and other vegetation’s obstruct driver and
pedestrian sight lines, which are essential for safe traffic operation.

Figure 7 Tress Obstructing the View

 There are thorny bushes by the roadside, whose branches are likely to hurt the passengers
occupying the window seat of a vehicle. There is thick growth of vegetation by the roadside
enough far back from the edge of the pavement to enable a driver to take protective steps in
time if any human or animal should run across the road from behind or within the vegetation.
 There are village name boards or direction boards by the roadside with pointed ends to hurt a
passenger in a bus on window seat.
 The roadside trees close to edge of berms, which cannot be removed for want of permission
of tree authority, been made visible at night and day by white washing/pasting reflective tape
on them.

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 Road Safety Audit of a Rural Road

4. CONCLUSION
Accident causation is very complex and must be understood adequately to improve accident
prevention. This paper had given suggestions for a safe road. It showed the road hazards like
sharp curves, less widths, inefficient road markings and sign boards. This document has
highlighted the problem of road traffic injuries among the general population, apply equal to
the policy maker working to cut the volume of road traffic injuries.
We would like to say that road safety is not a topic to be taken lightly. The important
thing is to stay alert at all the times while using the roads we must know that what is
happening around us in what way we can take necessary action to avoid danger. High
priority must be given in identification and rectification of black spots.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors to thank all the people who helped us in completing this study, especially we like
to thank the Telangana police department who had given the information about the recent
accidents in the study area.

REFERENCES
[1] Manual on Road Safety Audit, Indian Road Congress 2010, IRC: SP: 88-2010.
[2] Highway Engineering by SK.Khanna, C.E.G. Just O, A. Veeraragavan. Revised 10th
Edition Nem Chand & Bros., Roorkee, India.
[3] Highway Engineeing by Kadiyali, Khanna Publicaction, New Delhi.
[4] International Course on Transportation Planning and Road Safety Audit, IIT Delhi, India
[5] Department of Civil Engineering & Transportation Research and Injury Prevention
Program (TRIPP) Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi, India.
[6] Road Safety Audit of BRTS Corridor at Pune, Transportation Systems Engineering,
Group, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai,
Mumbai – 400076.

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