Chapter 2

Literature Review

 Introduction
Traffic control devices play a significant role in regulating traffic movement, reducing
congestion, and improving road safety in urban and suburban transportation networks. These
devices include traffic signs, road markings, traffic signals, pedestrian facilities, speed calming
measures, and other roadway management systems that guide and control road users. In rapidly
growing cities such as Peshawar, the increase in population, urbanization, commercial activities,
and vehicle ownership has created serious transportation challenges. As a result, proper
evaluation of traffic control devices and safety measures has become essential for ensuring
smooth and safe traffic operations.

The road corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk is one of the busiest commercial and
transportation routes in Peshawar. The area experiences heavy traffic volumes, mixed traffic
flow, pedestrian movement, roadside commercial activities, and frequent congestion during peak
hours. The absence or poor condition of traffic control devices often contributes to accidents,
delays, and unsafe driving conditions. Therefore, reviewing previous studies related to traffic
control systems, road safety measurements, and transportation management is necessary to
establish a foundation for the present research.

This chapter presents a comprehensive review of previous literature related to traffic control
devices, road safety evaluation, traffic engineering standards, accident analysis, and urban
transportation management. The review identifies research gaps and provides justification for
conducting the present study on the selected corridor.
 Traffic Control Devices
Traffic control devices are essential components of transportation engineering. According to the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), traffic control devices are designed to
regulate, warn, and guide road users. These devices improve operational efficiency and minimize
the risk of traffic accidents.

Traffic control devices are generally classified into the following categories:

1. Traffic Signs
2. Road Markings
3. Traffic Signals
4. Delineators and Reflectors
5. Pedestrian Control Facilities
6. Speed Control Measures

Traffic signs provide instructions, warnings, and information to drivers and pedestrians. Road
markings assist in lane discipline and traffic organization, while traffic signals manage vehicle
movements at intersections. Proper installation and maintenance of these devices are necessary
for achieving safe and efficient traffic operations.

Several researchers have concluded that the effectiveness of traffic control devices directly
influences driver behavior and roadway safety. Poor visibility, damaged signs, faded markings,
and improper signal timing may increase accident rates and traffic congestion.
 Importance of Road Safety
Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to prevent road users from being seriously
injured or killed. It is considered one of the major concerns in transportation planning and
highway engineering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic
accidents are among the leading causes of death globally, particularly in developing countries.

In Pakistan, road safety problems are increasing due to:

 Rapid urbanization
 Increase in vehicle ownership
 Lack of traffic law enforcement
 Poor roadway infrastructure
 Inadequate traffic management systems
 Insufficient pedestrian facilities

Researchers have identified that the absence of effective traffic control devices significantly
contributes to accident occurrence. Unsafe intersections, lack of warning signs, improper lane
markings, and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings are common causes of traffic crashes in urban
areas.

The corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk is a highly congested urban route where
road safety issues are frequently observed. Heavy commercial traffic, public transport vehicles,
motorcycles, pedestrians, and roadside encroachments create unsafe conditions for road users.
Therefore, evaluating safety measures and traffic control devices on this corridor is important for
reducing accidents and improving transportation efficiency.
 Previous Studies on Traffic Control Devices
Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide regarding the evaluation of traffic control
devices and their effects on road safety.

 Study by Khisty and Lall (2003)

Khisty and Lall emphasized that traffic control devices are fundamental tools in transportation
engineering. Their study explained that properly designed signs, markings, and signals improve
driver perception and reduce confusion on roadways. They concluded that regular inspection and
maintenance of traffic control systems are necessary for effective traffic management.

 Study by Garber and Hoel (2015)

Garber and Hoel investigated the relationship between roadway characteristics and accident
occurrence. Their research indicated that improper traffic control systems increase the
probability of crashes at intersections and urban corridors. The study recommended periodic
evaluation of traffic devices to identify operational deficiencies.

 Study by Pignataro (1973)

Pignataro highlighted the importance of road markings and lane discipline in urban traffic
systems. According to the study, faded pavement markings and poor lane organization lead to
driver conflicts and reduced roadway capacity.

 Study by IRC Guidelines

The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) developed standards for the installation and maintenance of
traffic signs, signals, and road markings in urban areas. These guidelines stress the importance of
visibility, uniformity, retro-reflectivity, and proper placement of traffic devices to ensure driver
understanding and roadway safety.
 Study in Developing Countries

Several studies conducted in developing countries revealed that traffic control devices are often
neglected due to limited budgets, poor maintenance practices, and weak traffic law enforcement.
Researchers concluded that urban roads in developing regions commonly suffer from damaged
signs, malfunctioning signals, and lack of pedestrian safety facilities.

These findings are relevant to the present study because the traffic corridor under investigation
also faces similar transportation and safety challenges.

 Traffic Safety Measurement Techniques

Traffic safety measurement is the process of assessing roadway conditions, accident occurrence,
and operational performance to identify safety deficiencies. Different techniques are used by
researchers and transportation engineers to evaluate road safety conditions.

 Accident Analysis

Accident analysis is one of the most common methods used for safety evaluation. Historical
crash data are collected and analyzed to identify accident-prone locations, commonly known as
black spots.

Researchers use accident frequency, accident severity, and collision type analysis to determine
the causes of crashes. Intersections with poor traffic control devices generally show higher
accident rates compared to properly managed intersections.

 Traffic Volume Studies

Traffic volume studies measure the number of vehicles passing through a roadway section during
a specific time period. These studies help engineers understand roadway demand and operational
characteristics.

High traffic volumes combined with inadequate traffic control devices usually lead to congestion
and unsafe driving conditions.
 Spot Speed Studies

Spot speed studies are conducted to determine the speed characteristics of vehicles at a particular
location. Excessive vehicle speed is one of the primary causes of severe traffic accidents.
Researchers have found that speed calming measures such as speed breakers, warning signs, and
signalized intersections can reduce accident occurrence.

 Delay and Queue Analysis

Delay studies evaluate the operational efficiency of traffic systems by measuring vehicle waiting
times and queue lengths. Poorly designed intersections often experience excessive delays and
congestion.

 Road Safety Audits

Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a formal procedure used to evaluate the safety performance of road
infrastructure. The audit identifies hazards and recommends corrective measures before
accidents occur.

Several researchers have recommended the use of road safety audits for urban corridors
experiencing high accident rates and congestion.

 Urban Traffic Problems in Peshawar

Peshawar is one of the major urban centers of Pakistan and serves as a commercial gateway
between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Due to rapid urban growth, the city experiences significant
transportation problems.

Common traffic-related issues in Peshawar include:

 Traffic congestion
 Illegal parking
 Encroachments on roadsides
 Lack of pedestrian crossings
 Inadequate traffic signals
  Poor road markings
 Mixed traffic flow
 Weak traffic enforcement

The route from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk is heavily affected by these problems because
it serves commercial, residential, and transit traffic simultaneously. Public transport vehicles
frequently stop along the roadway, creating bottlenecks and reducing roadway capacity.

Previous studies conducted in Peshawar highlighted the need for improved traffic engineering
practices and effective road safety management systems. Researchers recommended better signal
control, improved pavement markings, pedestrian facilities, and traffic law enforcement for
reducing accidents and congestion.

 Role of Traffic Signs and Road Markings

Traffic signs and pavement markings are among the most visible traffic control devices. Their
effectiveness depends on visibility, placement, readability, and maintenance conditions.

Researchers have reported that missing or damaged signs increase driver confusion and reduce
compliance with traffic regulations. Similarly, faded lane markings reduce lane discipline and
increase side-swipe collisions.

Road markings perform several important functions:

 Lane guidance
 Pedestrian crossing indication
 Speed control
 Parking regulation
 Overtaking restrictions

In urban corridors with mixed traffic conditions, clear pavement markings improve traffic
organization and roadway safety.
The study area requires proper evaluation of road markings because many urban roads in
developing cities suffer from inadequate maintenance and poor visibility of pavement markings.

 Traffic Signals and Intersection Control

Traffic signals are critical for controlling traffic movements at intersections. Proper signal timing
reduces vehicle conflicts, delays, and accidents.

Researchers have identified several problems associated with poorly managed traffic signals:

 Increased congestion
 Long vehicle queues
 Driver frustration
 Signal violations
 Higher accident risk

Signalized intersections require regular monitoring and timing adjustments according to traffic
demand. Adaptive signal control systems have shown positive results in improving traffic
operations in many urban areas.

At busy intersections near commercial zones such as Karkhano Market and Aman Chowk,
effective signal operation is essential for maintaining smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

 Research Gap
The literature review indicates that many studies have been conducted on traffic control devices
and road safety evaluation in developed and developing countries. However, limited research has
specifically focused on the evaluation of traffic control devices and safety measurements along
urban corridors in Peshawar.
Most previous studies concentrated on general traffic congestion problems without detailed
assessment of:

 Existing traffic signs and signals

 Pavement marking conditions
 Pedestrian safety facilities
 Accident-prone locations
 Operational efficiency of intersections
 Safety performance of urban commercial corridors

The corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman Chowk has not been comprehensively evaluated
despite its importance as a major transportation route. Therefore, the present study aims to fill
this gap by assessing traffic control devices, identifying safety deficiencies, and recommending
suitable improvement measures.

 Summary of Literature Review

This chapter reviewed previous studies related to traffic control devices, road safety
measurements, urban traffic management, and transportation engineering practices. The literature
indicates that effective traffic control devices significantly improve roadway safety and
operational efficiency. Poorly maintained signs, road markings, and signals contribute to
accidents, congestion, and unsafe roadway conditions.

The review also highlighted major transportation problems in urban areas such as Peshawar,
including mixed traffic flow, inadequate pedestrian facilities, weak traffic enforcement, and rapid
urbanization. Previous research emphasized the importance of regular evaluation and
maintenance of traffic control systems for improving traffic performance and reducing accident
[Link] on the identified research gap, the present study focuses on evaluating traffic
control devices and safety measurements along the corridor from Karkhano Market to Aman
Chowk in Peshawar. The findings of this research are expected to support transportation planners
and traffic management authorities in improving roadway safety and traffic operations in the
study area.