Road Safety Analysis and Evaluation of Safety...

Road Safety Analysis and Evaluation of Safety Risks of a Selected Section of Highway in India

Author Name : Aakriti Gahlawat, Ranadip Mandal

Abstract: The main objective of this research was to assess potential safety hazards of Delhi-Rohtak Highway using road safety auditing approach and to recommend possible options for remedial treatment. At first existing “Guidelines for Road Safety Audit, 2005” of Roads and Highways Department (RHD), India is reviewed and guidelines of developed countries are analyzed to find out deficiencies of RHD guidelines. Checklists provided with RHD guidelines are also analyzed and design standards and guidelines of other countries are studied to develop a more detailed and complete checklists. Then using the modified checklists, road safety auditing was conducted for Delhi-Rohtak highway. Accident data was collected to supplement audit findings. Attempts were made to assess the safety hazard scenario and to suggest likely remedial measures in view of the construction of proposed Padma Bridge, rapid urbanization and implementation of 4-laning project. In order to achieve the objectives of the research work, various guidelines on road safety audit, design standards, as built drawings, proposed road alignment plan and related publications were consulted. A total of 13 field visits were made to observe possible hazards through conducting highway geometric study, site specific speed studies, vehicular and pedestrian counts etc. Local traffic conditions were critically observed during the whole study. Besides, a total of 11 visits were made to collect accident data from 5 police stations.