UNIT – 3
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Accident investigation steps, development of counter measures accident
investigation, problem diagnosis development of counter measures, checklists
for counter measures. Operating the road network for safety highway
operation and countermeasures. Road safety audit, principles procedures and
practice, code of good practice and checklists.
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
It is very crucial to understand how the accident investigation is carried out. If
investigation is carried out in a proper manner, we will be able to draw a conclusion
with regard to what was the probable cause of the accidents and even the data
obtained from the accident site will be helpful in further investigation.
Different steps involved in carrying out accident studies area as follows.
1. Recording general observations
2. Driver tests
3. Skid resistance of pavement surface
4. Vehicle tests
5. Probable causes of accidents
6. Cost analysis
1. Recording General Observations
General information like date and time of accident measurements of length of skid
marks : we need to measure the length of skid marks in order to find out the speed
off the vehicle before and after collision with help of skid tester. Which will be
helpful in further accidental analysis and studies.
Recording of relative positions of vehicle and objects : after accident we need to
note the position of the vehicle after it has collide with the other object (it can
be fixed or movable object)
Details of accident : various other information like type of vehicle , nature of
accident
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Injury, damages: we need to note down the nature of injury like is it a severe one
or minor accident . Loss of life if it needs to be noted . damage to any property
needed to be taken into consideration.
Condition of vehicle : condition of vehicle also is an important criterion which leads
to cause of accident , hence we need to check the make of the vehicle and other
physical features of vehicle like tyre condition , age of vehicle , indicator lights.
Condition of road surface : even the data pertaining to road condition is important
because certain conations of pavement do lead to some of the major accidents due
to presence of potholes , wet pavement surface etc
Conditions diagram of accident locations : all the information of obtained at the
accident location can be presented schematically by a condition diagram which
represents physical features of the accident location.
2. Driver Tests
Analysis of breath of drivers : Analysis of breath of driver involved in the
accident for alcohol content using breath analyses or autopsy or postmortem .
physical ability : if the person is physically fit to carry out all the actions or any
special need people categories involvement in the accident.
3. Skid Resistance of Pavement Surface
Using skid resistance tester to find condition of surface ; length of skid marks
does help in identifying the speed of the vehicle in a great extent in the near
future by carrying out analysis of the obtained data in the near future.
4. Vehicle tests
Condition of vehicle: all the accessories of the vehicle needs to be checked, like
conditions of tyres , brake condition , head light , turning indicator , engine
conditions etc . static characteristics of the vehicle like weight , height and
dynamic characteristic of vehicle like speed , acceleration etc
Tests on essential accessories
Dents , objects involved.
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5. Probable Causes of Accidents
Site condition: a detailed study of the location where accident has taken place
needs to be noted down mainly with respect to physical features of the road.
Objects : was the accident due to some obstruction or due to presence of some
object needs to be identified a noted down.
Position of vehicle : its import to note the position of vehicle after collision and
this information do play an important role in developing the model relating to
accident studies.
6. Cost analysis:
Injuries : loss of life , injuries need to be taken in to account
Damages to vehicle : nature of the accident like if it a fatal accident vehicle will
be damaged to a great extent , in case of minor accident vehicle will not be
damaged.
Property damages : we need to note down was their damage to the public
properties like streetlight , divider etc. or to a private property like retaining
wall , parked vehicle.
Traffic delay : even the delay caused due to traffic accident needs to take into
account.
Accident Data Analysis
The purpose is to find the possible causes of accident related to driver, vehicle, and
roadway.
Accident analyses are made to develop information such as:
1. Driver and Pedestrian - Accident occurrence by age groups and relationships of
accidents to physical capacities and to psychological test results.
2. Vehicle - Accident occurrence related to characteristic of vehicle, severity, location
and extent of damage related to vehicles.
3. Roadway conditions - Relationships of accident occurrence and severity to
characteristics of the roadway and roadway condition and relative values of
changes related to roadways.
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It is important to compute accident rate which reflect accident involvement by
type of highway.
1. Accident Rate per Kilometre.
2. Accident involvement Rate.
3. Death rate based on population.
4. Death rate based on registration.
5. Accident Rate based on vehicle-kms of travel.
Problem Diagnosis
Problem diagnosis referee to identification of the various probable cause which are
main factors that leads to different types of accident’s.
Some of the problem identified for probable cause of accident’s are as listed below.
1. Interaction of urban traffic with the rural road: it is see that when an NH is going
to merge with the rural road traffic the traffic behavioral change . Since the width
as well as traffic pattern changes in the rural areas chances of accidents are high.
2. No proper lane marking on rural areas: the condition of the existing road surface
will not be maintained, because of which due to absence of lane marking chances
of accident will be high during night driving condition.
3. Restricted width of lane in Rural areas : it is well known fact that he roads in
urban areas are not given much importance which in turn leads to reduction in
width of road , which is also a main cause of accident.
4. No proper bus stops in rural areas : it is seen that there are no proper lane or are
reserved for bus stops , as a result of which sudden stopping of vehicle will cause
lot of accidents.
5. Absence of zebra crossing marking: random movement of pedestrian on to the road
surface while crossing the road should be considered.
6. Absence of Proper Street light: in absence of street light chances of accident are
high during night.
7. Interference of stray animals: it is well known fact that more amount of animal
interference do take place due to presence of stray animals We need to collect all
this information by carrying out road survey as well as interview of the road users
or public.
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COUNTER MEASURES AT HAZARDOUS LOCATION
(Counter measures for different types of accidents)
TYPE CAUSES COUNTER MEASURES
1. Left turn movement Restricted sight distance Provide left turn signal
phase
Amber phase to short Adjust amber
Excessive speed Reduce speed limit
Large turn volume Prohibit turn , add lane
2. Rear end Collison at Large turn volume Increase curb radii
Driver unaware of Install or improve warning
un- signalized
intersection signs
intersection
Slippery surface Provide adequate drainage
Lack of adequate gap Provide traffic signal, stop
sign
3. Right angel collision Restricted sight distance Provide adequate
channelization
at un-signalized
Inadequate roadway Improve roadway lighting
intersection
lighting
Inadequate roadway Install or improve warning
intersection warning signs sign
Inadequate traffic control Upgrade traffic control
device device
4. Side swipe or head Driver unaware of Install and improve
intersection warning signs
on collision
Improper pavement Improve pavement
marking marking
Inadequate shoulders Upgrade roadway
shoulders
5. Pedestrian and Inadequate signal timing Retime the signal
Inadequate pedestrian Install pedestrian barrier
vehicle Collison
protection
Scholl crossing area Use crossing gaurs at
school
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6. Night collision Inadequate sign Upgrade traffic control
devices
Inadequate delineators Improve delineators
Poor traffic control device Improve warning signs
visibility
Nature of accident Cause Counter measure
1. Pedestrian- vehicle Restricted sight distance, Install cross walk,
over speed, Reduce speed limit
inadequate road lighting, Improve roadway lighting
inadequate pedestrian Install pedestrian barrier
protection,
school crossing area, Use crossing guard at
area
improper pavement Thermoplastic markings,
markings improve pavement
markings
Restricted sight distance, Install cross walk,
2. Left turn/Head on Large turn volume Create one-way, add lane,
collision provide left turn,
channelize, signal
Restricted sight distance provide left turn phase
Absence of left turn phase Reduce speed limit
3. Rear end at un- Large turn volume Prohibit left turn
signalized intersection
Slippery surface Overlay pavement
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Driver unaware of Groove pavement
intersection
Inadequate road lighting Improve or provide
warning sign
Lack of inadequate gaps Improve roadway lighting
Crossing pedestrians Provide stop sign, signal
Excessive speed Provide cross walk
Large turn volume Prohibit left turn
Slippery surface Overlay pavement
Driver unaware of Groove pavement
intersection
Inadequate road lighting Improve or provide
warning sign
[Link] end at signalized Large turn volume Prohibit turn
intersection
Slippery surface Overlay pavement
Inadequate road Groove pavement
lighting
Crossing pedestrians Improve roadway lighting
Poor traffic control Provide stop sign, signal
device visibility
Inadequate signal Provide cross walk
timing
Large turn volume Install overhead signal,
signal
Slippery surface Adjust amber phase
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Prohibit turn
Overlay pavement
5. During Night Poor traffic control Install overhead signal,
device visibility signal
Inadequate delineation Improve or install
delineator
Inadequate Improve road
channelization markings
Inadequate signing Provide illuminated
sign
Poor traffic control Install overhead signal,
device visibility signal
6. Accidents on wet Slippery pavement Overlay pavement
conditions
Drainage
Groove
Reduce speed limit
Overlay pavement
Drainage
Groove
Reduce speed limit
7. Side swipe collisions Inadequate road design Widen lane
for traffic conditions
Channelize
Provide turning bays
Install signs
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Pavement markings
8. Collisions with fixed Object near travelled. Remove obstacle
object
Slippery pavement Widen lane
Guard rail
Channelize
Install signs
Pavement markings
Speed limit
Remove obstacle
Widen lane
Road Safety Audit [RSA]
Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a review of a project to assess and identify the safety
concerns of road users.
It is the procedure of assessment of the safety measures employed for the road.
In this RSA process emphasis is laid on improving safety for vulnerable road users
such as pedestrians and cyclists. RSA can be carried out in the following cases:
i) To evaluate the safety of an existing road or an infrastructure.
ii) To identify the safety concerns of a proposed infrastructure during the
planning, design and implementation stages.
It has the advantages like proper planning and decision from beforehand ensures
minimization of future accidents, the long term cost associated with planning is also
reduced and enables all kinds of users to perceive clearly how to use it safely
Often, the safety considerations are ignored while planning transport projects, which
later prove to have high socio - economic costs. For e.g. - death of an earning member
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of a household would impact his/her family in many different ways. Injuries may
reduce the productivity of an individual, or may result in the loss of livelihood of the
family.
Road safety audits are applicable to diverse types of road projects and to all categories
of roads in both urban and peri-urban areas. Road safety audits should be conducted
on all road projects, such as:
a. Intersection design projects (signalized and non-signalized),
b. Pedestrian and bicycle routes,
c. Local area traffic management schemes in urban areas,
d. Traffic calming measures in neighborhoods,
e. Approaches to bridges, rail over/under bridges,
f. Grade separators and interchanges,
g. Implementation of Mass Rapid Transit System, etc.
Objective of carrying out road safety audit
i) To identify safety problems.
ii) To plan measure to eliminate or reduce those problems/ features.
iii) To minimize the risk of accidents.
iv) Quality of road design and construction.
v) Observe the road maintenance of safety features to be improved.
When to conduct Road Safety Audit?
The RSA process starts with the decision to build a new road, invest in reconstruction,
Widening or major maintenance of an existing road or simply to evaluate the safety
aspects of an existing infrastructure. Road Safety Audits should be performed
periodically since the planning stage of a roadway project, so as to ensure the safety
aspects for all users are taken care at all the stages. It is recommended that RSA
should be conducted in the following critical stages of a project life cycle.
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STAGES OF ROAD SAFETY AUDIT
a. Feasibility stage (if any new proposal is made on existing infrastructure)
b. Design stage
i) Draft and
ii) Detailed design stage
c. Construction stage
i) Preopening stage
d. Maintenance stage
In the feasibility stage audit, the existing roadway where the project is proposed
will be audited considering the safety aspects of the existing road. The results of any
crash
Investigation, especially any previous road safety inspection reports must be
considered in the feasibility stage for brownfield projects (i.e. retrofitting or
maintenance of existing infrastructure).
Feasibility stage audit need not be carried out for a greenfield project (a project where
no transport infrastructure currently exists). The comments and suggestions noted
after completion of the feasibility stage audit goes as an input to the design of the
Proposed transport infrastructure.
Once the detailed design of the proposed infrastructure is completed, the design
stage Audit needs to be undertaken. The deficiencies identified in the design audit, if
any, are to be addressed by making necessary changes in the design of the proposed
infrastructure/facility.
The construction stage audit comes into picture when the project is under
implementation after the approval of design drawings/ documents and the
completion of the procurement process. The objective of this audit is to check whether
adequate safety measures are taken during construction.
The final stage of the RSA process is termed as the monitoring stage. Monitoring
stage audit needs to be carried out periodically during the service life of a project to
ensure that the facility continues to serve road users in a safe manner.
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SUMMARY OF STAGES OF AUDIT
1. Feasibility Stage - The starting point for the design is determined such as
number and type of intersection, relationship of the new scheme to the existing
road, the relevant design standards.
2. Draft Stage - In this stage horizontal and vertical alignment, junction layout
are determined. After the completion of this stage decision about land
acquisition is taken.
3. Detailed design stage - Signing, marking, lighting, other roadside equipment
and landscaping are determined.
4. Pre-opening stage - Before opening a new or modified road should be driven,
walked or cycled. It should be done at different condition like bad weather,
darkness.
5. Monitoring of the road in use - Assessment is done at the final stage after the
road has been in operation for few months to determine whether the utilization
is obtained as intended and whether any any adjustment to the design are
required in the light of the actual behavior of road users.
Who should Conduct Road Safety Audit?
The RSA process is framed in such a way that auditing shall be done at various stages
of a project (Planning, Designing, Execution, and Maintenance etc.), and at each stage
the person responsible for a specific stage would also be responsible for conducting
the audit.
For e.g. – Following is the list of people, who could be responsible for RSA at various
stages of the project.
a) Project Designer/ Engineer (Planning & Design Stage) - The person involved
in designing or planning of the project will be responsible for conducting the
feasibility and design stage audit.
b) Site Engineer (Construction Stage) - The person involved in the execution or
construction of the project will be responsible for the construction stage audit.
c) Maintenance Engineer (Maintenance of existing Infrastructure) - The
person involved in the maintenance of the existing infrastructure or in
monitoring of a newly executed project will be responsible for the periodic audit.
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d) Administrators (Various Urban Local Bodies) – Administrators are
responsible for ensuring better planning, construction and maintenance of
infrastructure that is people-friendly. The checklists are simple.
Tool to Conduct Road Safety Audit
A catalogue of checklists has been created as a tool to conduct RSA at various
stages.
The following checklist should be used at different stages of the audit:
a) Standard Checklist- The standard checklist shall be filled out in the feasibility
stage/ monitoring stage/ or maintenance stage. An audit using the standard
check list shall be carried out for any maintenance or retrofitting of the existing
infrastructure.
Standard checklist also needs to be filled out soon after implementation of the
project and periodically thereafter.
On all roads, a safety audit using standard checklist should be carried out every
year and preferably after every monsoon season.
b) Design Checklist- The design checklist shall be filled after completion of the
proposed design, with a pre-requisite that a standard checklist has already
been filled, in case of brownfield project.
c) Construction Checklist- The construction checklist needs to be filled out
during the construction phase of the project. Multiple construction stage audits
need to be carried out on construction projects that last longer than 3 months.
It is recommended that the construction stage audits be carried out once every
three months on longer duration projects.
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Principles Procedures for Carrying Out Road Safety Audit
The process of carrying out road safety audit is given clearly by help of a flow chart.
How the RSA is carried out in stage process is depicted clearly with the help of
schematic diagram
RSA can also be done on any existing road infrastructure, even if no infrastructure
improvement or new infrastructure is being added. In this case, RSA (monitoring
stage) shall be conducted using a standard checklist and the process after the
monitoring stage shall be followed as represented in the above flow chart.
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Guidelines for carrying out Road Safety Audit
Before carrying out an audit at any stage, the roadway corridor should be divided
into sections by doing a reconnaissance of the corridor to be audited.
The corridor should be divided into sections based on the following guidelines:
a) The sections can be divided from intersection to intersection and should preferably
be less than 500m with more or less uniform cross section throughout the section.
b) When significant variation in a cross section is found (like lane reduction, footpath
width reduced by more than 1m, etc.) then sections of roadway prior to the
transition point and after the transition point should be audited as different
sections.
c) The breakup of roadway into sections should be clearly indicated on the checklist
with sufficient landmarks demarcating beginning and end points of a section.
d) When standard checklists/ design checklists/ construction checklists are filled
out for a roadway at different stages of a project, demarcation of the sections need
to be the same for easy comparison.
e) Audits at all stages should be done separately by direction of travel on two- way
f) roads, i.e. separate checklist should be filled for each side of the road section. As
shown in figure 5.1.
g) For a one- way road, audit for pedestrian, bicycle and parking facilities should be
done separately on both sides. Carriageway and public transport facilities could
be part of any one checklist.
h) If a particular facility is not allowed on the road section under audit, the
corresponding section of the checklist need not be filled and evaluated.
For example, if on-street parking is not allowed on the road section under audit, no
need to evaluate the parking related aspects and the same should not be included in
the calculation of overall marks and level of service.
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Checklists for Road Safety Audit
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