Citation

Sarin S, Mittal N. Indian Highw. 2005; 57-87.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes the principles behind road safety audit, the objectives of an audit and the personnel to be involved, the organisation of an audit and the reporting process, and the promotion of audit principles worldwide, with reference to implementing audit in developing countries. Road safety audit is a systematic process for checking the safety of new road schemes. Objectives include minimizing the number and severity of accidents, managing risk and reducing cost. The auditor or audit team needs experience of accident investigation and road design, and contact with police, engineers and road user representatives. Training and accreditation should be provided and the audit team must be independent. Data collected include plans, accident history, traffic data, environmental aspects and road user experience. A site visit should be made. Reporting should include recommendations for improvement: if the report is not accepted by the designers or clients, an exception report should be prepared to explain this. In unresolved cases an independent arbitrator should be consulted. Road audit is widely accepted as a safety tool around the world and is recommended for further uptake in developing countries to improve road design.