Citation

Saija K, Patel C, Sureja G. Indian Highw. 2000; 28(9): 29-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Every year, India has about 60,000 road accident fatalities, but still lacks a sufficiently reliable accident database to be used as a basis for effective accident prevention policies. National Highways account for about 35% of fatalities and 27% of accidents on Indian roads, although they cover only 1.75% of the Indian road network. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the spectrum of road accidents in the Indian state of Gujarat, which is a rapidly developing part of India with a higher than usual road accident growth rate; it contains extensive tables. The study presented here uses a statistical approach to analyse accidents, and aims to find out the detailed causes of accidents in Gujarat and have an adequate concept for preventive measures. The Gujarat State traffic branch has collected road accident information since 1975 and in A-4 form since 1986; the data were collected and analysed in five broad classifications, the time, district, vehicle, road user, and road and environment spectra. The spectra in the latter category include road classification, road surface and width, type of crossing and traffic control, location pattern, collisions, traffic movement, and climate. Road safety measures range from short-term low-cost to long-term high-cost solutions, and include phased programmes conducted according to available resources.