212 A critical evaluation of recurring road engineering safety factors as hazards to road users: insights from the road crash vulnerability audits on national highways

Background Road crashes and fatalities represent a serious global issue, claiming an estimated 1.35 million lives and causing 20–50 million injuries annually. Road engineering design is a critical and integral component of road infrastructure that plays an important role in reducing the likelihood of fatal injuries in the event of a crash. Evaluating and identifying the critical road engineering factors and incorporating adequate safety measures at the design stage is essential to ensure safe road networks for all users. Moreover, addressing these issues during the design stage is more cost-effective and can save both time and lives. Objective This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis that identifies repetitive road engineering factors posing hazards to road users and proposes safety mitigation measures. Programme Description The study uses data from the Road Crash Vulnerability Audits (RCVA) conducted across 19 National Highways to identify the repetitive factors. Outcomes and Learnings The study's findings reveal that out of a total of 60 distinct engineering safety factors identified as having the potential to increase the likelihood of crashes, 33 factors are the most significant and repetitive in nature. These recurring engineering factors encompass a range of issues, from geometric inconsistencies to inadequate illumination. Further statistical analysis was conducted to rank these repetitive factors based on their respective frequencies. The results indicate that the most critical factors are the absence of pavement markings, signage, proper median treatment, pedestrian crossings, appropriate highway access, and adequate road illumination and delineation. These factors were recorded with the highest frequencies per kilometre and are thus considered the top-priority issues along the National Highways. Conclusions Evidence indicates that addressing these 33 recurring engineering factors through appropriate safety measures can help minimise the risk of fatal crashes on all types of roads. Implications The study's findings offer evidence-based guidance for policymakers, engineers, and other stakeholders engaged in the planning and development of road infrastructure. Road authorities can leverage these results to strategize and implement safety measures during the design phase of road projects.