Case Study for Road Safety Audit of Aurangabad City

Abstract

Efficient road network is a part-n-parcel of rapid industralization, urbanization and development of nation. While designing roads and highways, main emphasis is given on speed which will help to reduce time of journey and save fuel. But safety of drivers and passengers travelling along road is also important. In past, it was observed that while travelling, due to excess speed passengers safety was compromised. It will lead to accidents. It may cause severe injuries and loss of human life. Therefore it is important to check every aspect of vehicles as well as road during its design, construction and throughout the life of the road. Road safety audit is conducted to check performance of new road projects on grounds of offering maximum safety. Also checks are applied to study performance of existing roads to suggest repairs, rehabiliatation and maintenance work in order to improve condition of roads. During audit process, accident prone locations are identified. Past accident record from traffic department, Police department, hospitals etc are referred to understand damage that had occured. Even road geometry is investigated on technical basis. In present investigation, particular stretch of Beed Bypass Road passing through Aurangabad city in Maharashtra state, India was selected. On this road, accident sites where major accidents occurred in past were identified and investigated for different parameters. Based upon study, different causes of accidents and thereafter preventive methods were recommended during research work.