Citation

Kumar P. Indian Highw. 1999; 27(8): 15-20.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses several measures being taken to improve road safety in India, which has an unacceptably high and rising road accident rate, despite relatively low density of vehicle ownership. Analyses of the accident data show that drivers are mainly responsible for most accidents and fatalities, but that their behaviour is determined largely by the limitations of their vehicles and road conditions. The Ministry of Transport has now prepared a Manual on Safety in Road Design, which introduces safety-oriented design principles to highway professionals, and gives practical guidance on how to make road works safer. India's National Highway Network comprises about 1.6% of India's total road network, but carries nearly 40% of its total passenger and freight traffic. It needs increased usage of highway safety devices, and surveillance, detection, and emergency management systems, so that Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can be introduced on India's high-density highways in the next millennium. The article also discusses: (1) road signs; (2) road markings, studs, and delineators; (3) safety fences and barriers; (4) traffic calming measures; (5) wayside amenities and parking lay-bys; (6) roadside furniture; (7) financing road safety works; and (8) ensuring the quality of road safety devices.