ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

SUBJECT NAME: ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING EM (BCV755A)

MODULE:1
Syllabus: Accident Investigations and Risk Management: Collection Of Accident
Data, Assessment Of Road Safety, Methods To Identify And Prioritize Hazardous
Locations And Elements, Determine Possible Causes Of Crashes, Crash Reduction
Capabilities And Countermeasures, Effectiveness Of Safety Design Features,
Accident Reconstruction, Condition And Collision Diagram.

Introduction:
The accident studies pertain to the road accidents that occur from time to time on an existing
road system, though road accidents cannot be totally prevented, the rate can be decreased
substantially by suitable traffic engineering and management measures.

Objectives of Accident studies,

The various objectives of the accident studies may be listed as:

(a) to study the causes of accidents and to suggest corrective treatment at potential
locations

(b) to evaluate existing design, regulation and control measures

(c) to support proposed changes in design, regulation and control measures in the selected
zone

(d) to carry out ‘before and after studies’ after implementing changes and to demonstrate
the improvement in the accident problem

(e) to make computations of financial loss due to accidents and

(f) to provide economic justification for the improvement measures suggested by the traffic
engineer

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Collection Of Accident Data:

Collection of accident is the first step in the accident studies, the details to be collected are
briefly mentioned below,

(a) General – date, time, persons involved in the accident and their particulars, classification
of accident like fatal, serious, minor, property damage only, etc.

(b) Location – description and details of the location of accident supported by diagrams.

(c) Details of vehicles involved – registration number, make and description of the vehicles,
loading details, vehicular defects.

(d) Nature of accident – condition of vehicles involved, details of collision, and pedestrians
or objects involved, damages, injuries, casualty, etc.

(e) Road condition – details of road geometrics, whether the road stretch is straight or curved,
surface characteristics such as dry, wet or slippery, etc.

(f) Traffic condition – type of vehicles in the traffic flow, traffic volume and density, etc.

(g) Primary causes of accident – various possible causes and the primary cause of the
accident.

(h) Other probable causes – secondary and contributing causes for the accident.

(i) Accident cost – the total cost of the accident, such as property damages, personal injuries
and casualties, computed in terms of Rupees.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Methods for collection of accident data,

Collecting accident data is crucial for analyzing road safety, designing improvements, and
forming policies. Below are the main methods for collection of accident data:

🚨 1. Police Records

• Description: Accidents reported to and recorded by local police departments.

• Details Captured: Time, location, vehicle type, driver info, road condition, cause,
injuries, fatalities.
• Advantages: Official, standardized, and legally recognized.
• Limitations: Underreporting of minor accidents.

🏥 2. Hospital & Medical Records

• Description: Data from emergency rooms and trauma centers.

• Details Captured: Nature and severity of injuries, treatment, patient demographics.
• Advantages: Captures unreported accidents; useful for injury severity analysis.
• Limitations: May lack accident location and context.

📋 3. Insurance Company Reports

• Description: Claims submitted for damages or medical treatment.

• Details Captured: Vehicle damage, cost, nature of impact.
• Advantages: Includes both minor and major accidents.
• Limitations: Data access is often private/confidential.

🧑💼 4. On-site Investigations

• Description: Detailed examination at the accident location by traffic engineers or

researchers.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

• Details Captured: Road geometry, skid marks, vehicle final positions, environmental
conditions.
• Advantages: Accurate and comprehensive.
• Limitations: Time-sensitive; resource-intensive.

📱 5. Surveys & Interviews

• Description: Questionnaires or verbal interviews with drivers, victims, or witnesses.

• Details Captured: Human factors, perception, pre-accident behavior.
• Advantages: Provides subjective insights.
• Limitations: Recall bias; limited sample size.

📷 6. CCTV / Video Surveillance

• Description: Traffic camera or surveillance footage from accident-prone areas.

• Details Captured: Real-time visuals of accident sequence.
• Advantages: Verifiable evidence; helps analyze crash dynamics.
• Limitations: Limited coverage; privacy concerns.

📊 7. Automatic Traffic Recorders (ATRs) & IoT Sensors

• Description: Smart sensors embedded in road infrastructure or vehicles.

• Details Captured: Speed, traffic volume, impact forces.
• Advantages: Continuous monitoring; no human bias.
• Limitations: High cost; data integration challenges.

🛰️ 8. GPS & Telematics Data

• Description: From fleet management systems, apps, or black boxes.

• Details Captured: Vehicle speed, location, sudden stops, crash detection.
• Advantages: Precise and real-time.
• Limitations: Privacy and data ownership issues.

📚 9. Academic and Government Research Databases

• Examples:
o India: MoRTH accident database, IRAD (Integrated Road Accident
Database)
o US: NHTSA’s FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Assessment of Road Safety:

Road safety refers to the measures, practices, and strategies designed to prevent road users—
such as drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists—from being killed or seriously injured
in traffic accidents. It involves the safe design and operation of roads, vehicles, and traffic
systems, as well as the enforcement of laws and promotion of responsible user behavior. The
following flow chart depict how to conduct Road Safety Assessment.

Step 1: Define Objectives and Scope

Objective: Determine why and where the road safety assessment is being done.
• Scope: Is it a full corridor, a junction, a rural road, or an urban street?
• Purpose:
o Reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
o Evaluate post-construction performance.
o Improve pedestrian or cyclist safety.
o Conduct feasibility for road widening or signal changes.
Example: Assess the safety of a national highway stretch between two towns due to rising
crash rates.

🔹 Step 2: Collect Relevant Data

Collect accurate and recent data related to road use, crash occurrences, and road
environment.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

1. Crash/Accident Data
• Source: Police, hospitals, insurance, Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD –
India).
• Fields: Date, time, type of accident, location (GPS or chainage), weather, fatalities,
injuries.
2. Traffic Data
• Volume (AADT – Annual Average Daily Traffic).
• Speed studies (average speed, 85th percentile speed).
• Vehicle mix (2W, 4W, buses, trucks).
3. Road Inventory
• Road width, number of lanes, shoulder condition, pavement condition.
• Signage, markings, lighting, intersections, curves, visibility.
• Nearby land use (schools, shops, bus stops).
4. Human Factors
• Driver behavior: speeding, drunk driving, distraction.
• Pedestrian movements.
• Helmet/seatbelt usage rates.
Tools: Traffic counters, GPS mapping, drone surveys, field notes.

🔹 Step 3: Analyze Risk Factors

Goal: Identify hazardous conditions or risky behaviors contributing to accidents.
• Blackspot Identification: Locations with high crash density or crash severity index.
• Crash Pattern Analysis:
o Repeated types (e.g., rear-end, side-impact, pedestrian hits).
o Time pattern (e.g., night crashes due to poor lighting).
• Design Deficiencies: Poor horizontal alignment, steep slopes, inadequate shoulder
width, wrong signage.
Tools: GIS, crash plotting software, Excel heat maps, iRAP ViDA.

🔹 Step 4: Conduct Road Safety Audit (RSA)

A systematic and formal safety review done by an independent, qualified team at different
stages:
• Planning/Design Stage: Ensure safety is built into drawings.
• Construction Stage: Check temporary traffic control and safety during work zones.
• Pre-opening Stage: Evaluate final road conditions before opening.
• Post-opening Stage: Assess real-world performance.
Checklist Items:
• Are signs visible at night?
• Is the road shoulder stable?
• Are pedestrian crossings adequate?
Standard: IRC SP 88-2019 (Road Safety Audit Manual – India)

🔹 Step 5: Conduct Road Safety Inspection (RSI)

An on-site field visit to visually assess the condition of an existing road from a safety
perspective.
• Visual checks (no need for crash data).
• Focuses on:
o Pavement defects

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

oFaded signs/markings
oObstructions near the carriageway (trees, poles)
oWrongly placed bus stops
oPoor drainage causing waterlogging
Frequency: Can be done periodically (monthly/quarterly).

🔹 Step 6: Use Technology for Advanced Assessment

Technology helps in quantifying risks and predicting unsafe conditions.
Tools:
• CCTV & Drone Video Analytics:
o Study near misses, red-light violations, pedestrian behavior.
• Crash Simulation Models:
o Software like VISSIM, SIDRA, PTV for dynamic modeling.
• GIS Mapping:
o Visualizing crash hotspots and traffic patterns.
• iRAP Star Rating System:
o Roads are rated from 1 to 5 stars based on risk exposure.
Use Case: Use drone footage to observe pedestrian conflict zones at a busy junction.

🔹 Step 7: Rate Safety Performance

Based on collected data, audits, and observations, assign a safety score or rating.
Common Performance Indicators:
• Crash rate per million vehicle-km
• Fatality and injury rate
• Helmet/seatbelt usage rate
• Response time to accidents
• iRAP star rating (1 star = very dangerous, 5 stars = very safe)
Outcome: Helps compare safety levels of different roads or the effect of implemented
measures.

🔹 Step 8: Recommend Improvements

Based on identified risks and safety rating:
A. Engineering Measures
• Speed calming: rumble strips, speed humps, roundabouts.
• Signage upgrades, pedestrian footpaths, lighting.
• Guardrails, medians, shoulder strengthening.
B. Enforcement
• Install speed/red-light cameras.
• Conduct regular drunk driving checks.
• Deploy traffic police at blackspots.
C. Education
• Campaigns for helmet/seatbelt use.
• School zone awareness programs.
D. Emergency Response
• Improve ambulance access routes.
• GPS tracking for emergency services.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Determine Possible Causes Of Crashes:

There are five basic elements in a traffic accident, namely:

(a) Road user

(b) Vehicle
(c) Road and its condition
(d) Traffic
(e) Environmental factors such as weather, visibility, etc.

Various causes of accidents may be listed as given below:

(a) Drivers: Excessive speed and rash driving, carelessness, violation of rules and regulations,
failure to see or understand the traffic situation, sign or signal, temporary effects due to fatigue,
sleep or effect of consuming alcohol.

(b) Pedestrians: Violating regulations, carelessness while using the carriageway meant for
vehicular traffic.

(c) Passengers: Alighting from or getting into moving vehicles.

(d) Vehicle defects: Failure of brakes, steering system, or lighting system, tyre burst and any other
defect in the vehicles.

(e) Road condition: Slippery or skidding road surface, potholes, ruts and other damaged
conditions of the road surface, temporary obstruction to line of sight (caused by branch of tree or
disabled vehicle) resulting in reduction in normal sight distance.

(f) Road design: Defective geometric design like inadequate sight distance at horizontal or
vertical curves, improper curve design, inadequate width of shoulders, improper lighting and
improper traffic control devices.

(g) Traffic condition: Other vehicles of the traffic stream, such as a vehicle moving ahead getting
involved in accident, presence of disabled vehicle on the roadway.

(h) Weather: Unfavourable weather condition like mist, fog, snow, dust, smoke or heavy rainfall
which restrict normal visibility and render driving unsafe.

(i) Animals: Stray animals on the road.

(j) Other causes: Incorrect signs or signals, gate of level crossing not closed when required,
ribbon development, badly located advertisement boards or service station, etc.

Methods To Identify And Prioritize Hazardous Locations And

Elements:

1. Crash Frequency Method

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

• What it does: Identifies locations based on the number of crashes in a given period
(typically 3–5 years).
• Identification Criteria: Locations with crash counts above a predefined threshold are
considered hazardous.
• Limitation: Doesn’t consider exposure (traffic volume) or crash severity.
• Prioritization: Sites with the highest number of crashes are given priority.

2. Crash Rate Method (Exposure-Based)

• What it does: Normalizes crash frequency by traffic volume and road length.
• Formula:

• Benefit: Allows fair comparison between roads with different traffic volumes.
• Prioritization: Locations with unusually high crash rates are prioritized even if total
crashes are low.

3. Crash Severity Index Method

• What it does: Assigns weights to crashes based on severity (e.g., fatal = 5, serious =
3, minor = 1).
• Formula:

• Benefit: Highlights locations with more serious crashes.

• Prioritization: Sites with higher severity index scores are ranked higher.

4. Crash Cost Analysis

• What it does: Calculates economic losses associated with crashes (injuries, fatalities,
property damage).
• Application: Helps in cost-benefit analysis for proposed safety improvements.
• Prioritization: Locations causing higher societal costs are treated with urgency.

5. Statistical Models (Poisson, Negative Binomial, Empirical Bayes)

• What they do:

o Use mathematical models to predict expected crashes based on road
characteristics.
o Compare observed vs. expected crash values.
• Empirical Bayes: Combines historical data with predictions for better accuracy.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

• Prioritization: Locations with the largest positive difference (Observed > Expected)
are critical.

6. Road Safety Audits (RSA)

• What it does: Independent safety review of existing/planned roads by a

multidisciplinary team.
• Focus: Not just crash data, but also geometric design, visibility, signage, etc.
• Prioritization: Based on identified safety concerns and expert judgment.

7. Traffic Conflict Technique (TCT)

• What it does: Observes near-miss situations as a proxy for potential crashes.

• Use: Proactive method where crash data is unavailable or outdated.
• Prioritization: Sites with the most frequent or severe conflicts are prioritized.

8. GIS-Based Spatial Analysis

• What it does: Uses GIS tools to map crash locations and identify clusters/hotspots.
• Methods: Heat maps, kernel density estimation, spatial autocorrelation.
• Prioritization: High-density crash zones are prioritized based on spatial intensity.

9. Public Input and Community Reports

• What it does: Collects reports from road users about dangerous or confusing road
segments.
• Use: Supplements analytical methods.
• Prioritization: Based on frequency and seriousness of complaints.

10. Composite Index or Scoring System

• What it does: Combines multiple factors (crash frequency, rate, severity, volume)
into one composite score.
• Example Scoring:
o Crash Frequency: 40%
o Crash Rate: 30%
o Severity Index: 20%
o Public Complaints: 10%
• Prioritization: Rank based on total weighted score.

Crash Reduction Capabilities and Countermeasures:

Crash reduction capability refers to the estimated percentage decrease in crashes (or crash
severity) expected after applying a specific safety countermeasure.

Example: Installing a roundabout at an intersection may reduce fatal and injury crashes by
60% compared to a stop-controlled intersection.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Crash Reduction Countermeasures,

1. Roundabouts
o Replace traditional intersections to eliminate angle and head-on collisions.
o Reduce conflict points and force lower vehicle speeds, improving safety.
2. Rumble Strips (Edge/Center Line)
o Alert inattentive or drowsy drivers when they leave their lane.
o Reduce run-off-road and head-on crashes significantly.
3. Improved Street Lighting
o Enhances nighttime visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
o Reduces crashes in poorly lit areas, especially at intersections.
4. Pedestrian Crosswalk Enhancements
o Includes markings, raised tables, and flashing beacons at crossings.
o Improves pedestrian visibility and driver compliance.
5. Speed Humps and Calming Measures
o Physically reduce vehicle speeds in residential or high-pedestrian areas.
o Lower speed leads to fewer and less severe crashes.
6. Dedicated Turn Lanes(Islands)
o Separate turning traffic from through lanes at intersections.
o Reduce rear-end and angle-type collisions by improving traffic flow.
7. Median Barriers (e.g., cable or concrete)
o Prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic lanes.
o Reduce fatal head-on collisions on divided highways.
8. Traffic Signal Upgrades
o Includes signal timing, phasing, and visibility improvements.
o Reduces intersection-related crashes and improves traffic efficiency.
9. High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST)
o Applies specialized pavement to high-risk curves or intersections.
o Improves traction, especially in wet conditions, reducing skidding crashes.
10. Guardrails and Crash Cushions
o Protect vehicles from steep drops, obstacles, or fixed objects.
o Absorb impact energy and reduce crash severity.
11. Better Signage and Pavement Markings
o Improve driver awareness with clearer visual guidance.
o Especially effective in curves, work zones, and merging areas.
12. Road Safety Audits (RSA)
o In-depth safety assessments by expert teams on existing or planned roads.
o Helps detect risks proactively and recommend targeted solutions.
13. Access Management
o Controls location and number of driveways/intersections on a corridor.
o Reduces conflict points and crash frequency on arterial roads.
14. Pedestrian Overpasses and Underpasses
o Completely separate pedestrian movement from vehicle traffic.
o Eliminate pedestrian-vehicle conflict and enhance safety.
15. Speed Cameras and Automated Enforcement
o Detect and penalize speeding or red-light violations automatically.
o Discourages risky behavior and reduces speed-related crashes.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Methods to Estimate Crash Reduction Capabilities of Countermeasures:

1. Before-and-After Studies
• Description: Compares the number of crashes at a location before and after
implementing a countermeasure.
• Approach:

2. Empirical Bayes (EB) Method

• Description: Adjusts before-and-after studies by factoring in expected crash
frequency using reference (similar) sites.
• Approach: Combines actual crash data with predicted crashes from statistical models.
3. Crash Modification Factors (CMF)
• Description: Uses known CMFs from prior research to estimate crash changes.
• Formula:

o Example:
CMF = 0.6 → 40% expected crash reduction
4. Predictive Crash Modeling (Statistical Regression)
• Description: Uses models (e.g., Poisson or Negative Binomial regression) to predict
crashes based on road features, volume, and control type.
5. Cross-sectional Studies
• Description: Compares crash rates across multiple sites, some with and some without
a specific countermeasure.
6. Meta-Analysis / Literature Review
• Description: Uses published research studies to derive average crash reduction
values.
7. Expert Judgment and Engineering Evaluation
• Description: Based on experience, crash diagrams, and field investigations.
Common Road Safety Countermeasures and Their Crash Reduction Capabilities
Countermeasure Crash Type Targeted Typical Crash Reduction
(%)
Roundabout Installation Angle, Head-on 60–80%
Rumble Strips (Center/Edge Line) Run-off-road, Head-on 20–40%
Improved Street Lighting Night-time crashes 20–40%
Installing Guardrails Run-off-road 25–45%
Speed Humps / Calming Measures Speed-related, Pedestrian 40–70%
Signalizing Intersections Right-angle, Rear-end 10–30%
Converting Signals to Roundabouts Angle, Fatal crashes 60–90%
Adding Turn Lanes at Intersections Left-turn/Rear-end 15–55%
Improved Signage and Markings All crash types 10–20%
Pedestrian Crosswalk Enhancements Pedestrian crashes 20–50%
Median Barriers (e.g., cable barriers) Cross-median, Head-on 50–90%
crashes
High Friction Surface Treatment Wet surface crashes, 30–70%
(HFST) Skidding
Access Management (e.g., driveway Rear-end, Angle crashes 15–30%
limits)

• Note: Actual reduction percentages depend on site conditions, traffic volume,

and crash history.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Effectiveness Of Safety Design Features:

1. Roadway Geometry Improvements

Improving road geometry such as alignment, lane width, and shoulder space helps
enhance driver control and visibility. These adjustments reduce sharp curves and blind
spots, minimizing crash potential. Smoother transitions between road sections
improve traffic flow. Roads designed with proper curvature and grade reduce
speeding and skidding. Overall, this can reduce crashes by 30–40%.

2. Median Barriers

Median barriers are installed on divided highways to prevent vehicles from crossing
into oncoming traffic. They are especially effective in reducing head-on collisions,
which are often fatal. Types include concrete, steel, or cable barriers. These barriers
are low-maintenance and highly durable. Studies show they can reduce cross-median
crashes by up to 90%.

3. Rumble Strips

Rumble strips are grooved patterns on the road that create noise and vibration when
driven over. They alert distracted or drowsy drivers who unintentionally drift from
their lane. Typically placed on the shoulder or centerline of highways, they prevent
run-off-road and head-on crashes. These strips are cost-effective and require minimal
maintenance. Crash reductions of 20–80% have been observed.

4. Roadside Safety Treatments

Improving the roadside environment involves removing or shielding fixed objects like
trees, poles, or steep slopes. Guardrails and crash cushions absorb impact energy and
prevent rollovers. Providing a clear recovery zone allows vehicles to regain control
safely. These measures reduce the severity of run-off-road crashes. Crash reductions
range between 30% and 45%.

5. Traffic Calming Measures

Traffic calming involves physical design strategies to reduce vehicle speed in

sensitive zones. Common features include speed bumps, raised pedestrian crossings,
and road narrowings. These are vital in residential, school, and urban areas to enhance
pedestrian safety. Slower speeds result in fewer and less severe crashes. Effectiveness
shows crash reduction rates of up to 60%.

6. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities

Dedicated paths, sidewalks, and crossings ensure the safety of non-motorized road
users. These features separate pedestrians and cyclists from vehicular traffic, reducing
conflict points. Signalized crossings, overpasses, and warning signage further enhance
safety. Proper lighting and markings also play a role. Such facilities can reduce
crashes involving pedestrians/cyclists by up to 50%.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

7. Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular intersections that replace traditional traffic signals or stop
signs. They reduce the number and severity of conflict points, especially right-angle
and head-on collisions. Traffic moves continuously, which lowers speed and delays.
Roundabouts are especially effective in reducing fatal and injury crashes. Crash
reductions up to 90% have been reported for severe cases.

8. Access Control

Controlling access to highways and arterial roads minimizes interruptions and conflict
points. This includes limiting driveways, merging lanes, and using frontage roads.
Reducing uncontrolled access points lowers the risk of rear-end and side-impact
crashes. Access control also improves traffic flow efficiency. Studies show a 25–40%
reduction in crash frequency.

9. Signage and Road Markings

Proper signage and clear lane markings are crucial for communicating road rules to
drivers. Signs warn about curves, speed limits, pedestrian zones, and upcoming
intersections. Road markings guide vehicle movement and improve night time
visibility. Well-maintained signs and paint reduce driver confusion and reaction time.
These can lead to crash reductions of 10–30%.

10. Street Lighting

Good lighting enhances visibility for drivers, especially at intersections, curves, and
pedestrian crossings. It helps detect obstacles, road users, and signage during night
time or adverse weather. Lighting reduces accidents caused by low visibility or
surprise hazards. It is especially effective in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Night-time crash reduction rates range from 20% to 50%.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Causes of Traffic Accidents

Pedestrians: Violations of regulations and carelessness when using the carriageway meant
for vehicular traffic.

Passengers: Alighting from or getting into moving vehicles.

Vehicle Defects: Failures in brakes, steering, lighting systems, tire bursts, and other defects.

Road Condition: Slippery or damaged surfaces, potholes, ruts, and similar issues.

Road Design: Flaws in geometric design, insufficient sight distance, inadequate shoulders,
improper lighting, and poor traffic control devices.

Weather: Unfavorable weather such as fog, snow, dust, smoke, or heavy rainfall reducing
visibility and making driving unsafe.

Animals: Presence of stray animals on the road.

Other Causes: Incorrect signs/signals, gates at level crossings not closed, poorly located
advertisements, and service stations.

Accident Studies and Records

The process involves the collection of accident data, preparation of reports, and compilation of
location files and diagrams for thorough traffic accident analysis.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Collection of Accident Data

• The collection of accident data is the first step in accident study.

• Details to be collected include:
• General: Date, time, persons involved, their particulars, and accident classification (fatal,
serious, minor).
• Location: Description and details of accident location.
• Details of Vehicles Involved: Registration numbers, make, description, loading details,
and defects.
• Nature of Accident: Condition of vehicles, details of collisions, involved objects or
persons, damages, injuries, and casualties.
• Road and Traffic Conditions: Details about road geometry, surface characteristics (dry,
wet, curved, slippery), and traffic type and density.
• Primary Causes of Accident: All possible causes and the primary cause identified.
• Accident Costs: Total cost computed in rupees, including property damage, personal
injuries, and casualties.
This information is essential for comprehensive accident analysis and for preparing accurate reports
and records.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Accident Report
• The accident should be reported to police authorities who will take legal action, especially in
cases involving injuries, casualties, or severe property damage.
• Accident reports for individuals involved may be taken separately.
• Accident data must be collected as explained above, and the report should include all facts
useful for later analysis and compensation claims.
Accident Records
• Accident records are kept with full details: accident particulars, location, and other
information.
• Records are maintained using location files, spot maps, collision diagrams, and condition
diagrams.
Location Files
• Location files help monitor accident locations and identify points of high accident incidence.
• Each police station maintains these files for its jurisdiction.
Spot Maps
• Spot maps show accident locations using spots, pins, or symbols on the map.
• Maps are scaled (such as 1 cm = 40 to 60 m) for accuracy and help in spotting urban accidents.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Stages of Accident Investigation:

1. Accident Investigation
2. Analysis of Individual Accidents
3. Statistical Analysis of Accidents

(1) Accident Investigation

Investigations should be conducted scientifically to enable analysis of the accident. This involves:

(a) Recording General Observations:

• Measurement of length of skid marks due to partial and full skidding.

• Recording the relative positions of vehicles and collision objects involved in the accident, supplemented
with photographs.
• Diagram showing:
o Accident scene
o Injuries
o Damages
• Details of:
o Pavement surface
o Shoulders
• Condition of:
o Pavement
o Other surfaces the vehicles involved moved through
o Environmental conditions at the accident site
• Accident location diagram with relevant measurements and dimensions

(b) Driver Tests:

• Breath analysis of drivers involved (for alcohol content).

o If the driver is dead, tests may be conducted on spinal fluid to estimate alcohol content.
• Tests on driver characteristics, including:
o Reaction time
o Distance judgment
o Angle of clear vision
• If the accident happened at night, additional tests are needed:
o Glare vision
o Glare recovery

These tests are conducted in addition to the above.

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

(3) Skid Resistance of the Pavement Surface:

• The average skid resistance of the road surface along the skid marks should be measured under the
prevailing condition of the surface soon after the accident, using:
o Portable pendulum-type skid resistance tester, or
o Any other suitable equipment.

(4) Vehicle Tests:

• Tests on the condition of:

o Brakes
o Steering of the vehicles involved
• Tests on essential accessories and general condition of the vehicles involved in the accident.
• Characteristics and details of the vehicles and other objects involved, and the cross-section details of the
collapsed members.

(5) Probable Cause of the Accident:

• Assessment of the probable causes of the accident, including:

o Type of accident
o Site conditions
o Position of the vehicles and other objects involved
o Other existing conditions

(6) Cost Analysis:

• Estimation of the cost of the accident by working out the cost involved for the following items:
o Injuries and fatalities of persons involved
o Damages to the vehicles
o Property damages
o Other consequences, including traffic delay
o Investigations and legal proceedings

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

(7) Statistical Analysis of Accidents

• Purpose:
The statistical analysis of road accidents helps to:
o Assess the effectiveness of various safety measures.
o Estimate the accident rate.
o Evaluate the relative safety of different road stretches or zones.
• Key Points:
o As mobility increases, the probability of accidents also increases.
o The number of accidents increases with:
▪ The number of vehicles
▪ The number of road users
▪ The number of pedestrians on the road
• Effectiveness of Measures:
o The effectiveness of traffic engineering, enforcement, and educational measures should be judged
based on changes in accident rates, rather than total numbers.
• Measurement of Accident Rate:
o Accident rate can be expressed in terms of:
▪ Number of vehicles and population
▪ Vehicle movements and population
o Relative accident rate considers various roadway and traffic factors.
• Predictive Analysis:
o Through statistical study (short-term or long-term):
▪ Accident occurrence per day or
▪ The probability of occurrence for different classes of road users
▪ Can be predicted with reasonable accuracy
• Reliability:
o The reliability of statistical analysis depends mainly on the quality and accuracy of accident data,
obtained fromreliable accident records.

Analysis of Individual Traffic Accidents

Some typical modes of vehicular accidents include:

1. A moving vehicle collides with a parked vehicle.

2. Two vehicles approaching from different directions collide at an intersection.
3. Head-on collision of two vehicles approaching from opposite directions.
4. A moving vehicle collides with a stationary object such as:
o An electric pole
o A tree
o A rigid structur

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

Mrs. MONISHA UDAY , ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ECE, SVIT