Identification and Analysis of Accident Black Spots on M-1

Abstract

Road traffic crashes cause huge socio-economic losses, resulting in an immense burden on health services. Annually an estimated 1.2 million individuals lose their life while up to 50 million suffer non-fatal injuries in RTCs around the globe. RTCs have emerged as a major public health challenge for the low- and middle-income countries. Due to enormous life and economic loss incurred by the road traffic crashes (RTCs), rigorous research efforts, especially in the developing countries are needed to investigate risk factors that significantly influence crash severity. The present research effort focused on the identification of sites (black spots) that are more dangerous from accident point of view on M-1. The study includes collection of secondary traffic accident data and field data on highway geometrics, highway drainage and traffic control devices for identification of accident black spots using Weighted Severity Index method. Through our preliminary investigation we identified four highway segments on M-I for detailed analysis. Our analysis revealed that all selected road segments have satisfactory geometrics, however the higher crash severity/frequency at selected sites may be attributed to highway drainage. Due to drainage under-design water accumulates on travel-way resulting into unsafe travel conditions. A major rehabilitation of pavement drainage structures is recommended along with median widening/ replacement for saving valuable human lives.