1.

The study objective is to compare three approaches to identification

of hazardous road locations: (1) Traditional reactive accident-based
approach, resulting in identification of accident black spots; (2)
State-of-the-art empirical Bayes method using accident prediction
model, which identifies critical locations, i.e. both real and potential
black spots; (3) Proactive “preliminary” road safety inspection,
identifying the risk factors, which may potentially increase accident
occurrence and severity. Regional rural road network (approx.
1000 km) in South Moravia, Czech Republic was used. The methods
were applied in identification and ranking of hazardous road
locations in the studied network. It was found that black spot
approach is not a suitable method, especially in low-volume road
network with scattered accident occurrence. On the other hand risk
index, based on road safety inspection, is a valid alternative, with
ranking performance comparable to state-of-the-art empirical Bayes
method. In addition both empirical Bayes and risk index methods are
compared with respect to their data requirements. Their mutual
application is recommended as a suitable replacement of traditional
black spot management, as well as a step forward to a proactive road
network safety management.
2. Variables Involved in Jump and Flip Crashes

Traffic safety and accident studies have been in the research area for last two decades
extensively as the rise of accidents have been alarming across the world. From the
works done by researchers, it can be said that traffic accidents are caused due to mainly
3 factors i.e.

 Personal or human behavioural factors

 Road and Environmental factors
 Vehicle factors

Personal or human factors mainly include the age of driver or victim, gender of the
victim, was he drunk while driving, etc. Similarly, environmental factors include the
general factors of climate and environment, lighting conditions of road, time of accident,
i.e. day or night, pavement conditions, etc. Road geometric factors include the type of
junction or intersection, then horizontal slope, curves, etc. present on the road, due to
faults of which, accidents may occur. At the end come traffic factors. This mainly
includes the speed, density, traffic flow parameters that may lead to accidents.

Variables involved in Pedestrian Crashes

The few studies were conducted on the

association between demographic and environmental factors
and the severity of pedestrian traffic crashes. Furthermore, the
majority of studies were carried out in developed countries,
especially in the metropolises of the United States. In these
studies, some environmental factors that played an important
role in the severity of pedestrian traffic crashes, such as
pedestrian safety facilities, were ignored. Strong causal inference
schemes were not used, and sufficient attention was not also
paid to high-risk groups. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct
more research at national and regional levels in cooperation
with international organizations which are active in the eld of
traffic crashes in various parts of the world such as the WHO,
especially in developing countries, because a large number of
pedestrian crashes occur in these countries. Preventive programs,
to reduce the severity of these crashes and their burden, should
be developed and implemented in such countries.

3. Measures to decrease Accident Rate

We are in the age of speed. We desire high-speed Internet, quick services, and the most
important – faster commuting options. The first two things on the list are not life-threatening,
but the same cannot be said for the last one. Here speed is not a luxury but a fatal alternative
as compared to safe commute.
In India, the most common reasons behind road accidents are drunk driving, using a cell
phone while driving or walking on the road, not following traffic rules and last but not the
least, due to over speeding. In the year 2017, more than 75,000 road accidents occurred in
the country within the span of the first 7 months i.e. January to July.

The figures of road accidents are bound to scare anyone using roadways for frequent travel.
However, the officials were able to pull these figures down by a whopping 4% in the year
2017 as compared to the previous year. Here are few reasons which helped to reduce the
number of Road Accidents in the country:
#1 Strict Rules
Various amendments have been made to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 in order to improve
the on-road safety of commuters. Obtaining documents like learning and driving license
have been automated. Emphasis has been put on buying insurance for a vehicle. If a person
fails to abide by these rules, he/she has to face heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
#2 Heavy Fines
In order to reduce violations of traffic rules, the officials are now imposing
heavy motor vehicle fines on the violators. As compared to the past, violators now have to
pay more than double the fine amount for an offense. Some cases like repeated drunk
driving can attract strict penalties like confiscation of driving license, fine of Rs. 10000 and 3
years of imprisonment.

#3 Use of Speed Detection Devices

As said earlier, over speeding is one of the major reasons for road accidents in India.
Vehicles colliding with other vehicles or objects proves to be fatal for the driver as well as
passengers. To reduce this possibility, police officers have started using speed detection
devices in some Indian states.
The device accurately measures the speed at which a vehicle is traveling. If the speed is over
and above the prescribed limit, the driver is booked for over speeding. According to the new
traffic rules, one has to pay a fine ranging from Rs. 1000 to 2000 depending on the type of
vehicle for over speeding.
#4 Safety Measures
This is the basic thing a person can do to reduce the chances of a road accident. Wearing seat
belts in a car or a helmet while commuting on a bike can prove to be life-saving. Officials
have taken to social media to educate people about important safety measures and do’s and
don’ts to avoid road accidents. As an impact, many commuters have started taking small
steps towards following rules and taking safety measures.
#5 Reducing Corruption
 Another reason for increasing traffic violations was that the rules and regulations were not
imposed in a proper manner. The rules only existed on paper. Due to some corrupt officials,
it was difficult to reduce violations.
With the introduction of E-challan and almost no use of cash for the payment of traffic
violation fines, combined with increased penalties, corruption has started reducing.
The Bottom Line
With a population of 1 Billion people in our country and a police force of less than 200 per
lakh persons, it will take time for the officials to curb the number of road accidents. But, the
ray of hope lies in following rules, taking safety measures and in not paying a bribe to avoid
challan.

4. Highway safety measures to be taken during construction

Road and highway construction workers are crucial for ensuring roads are
safe, new lanes and exits are created and other transportation projects are
completed. However, working in the midst of speeding traffic or in the dead of
night results in unfortunate accidents and fatalities.

There are about 250,000 people working in the road and highway construction
industry. According to a report from the US. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),
46 percent of employees in road work zones were killed in pedestrian
vehicular accidents. These accidents include events involving vehicles and
mobile equipment.

1.Implement Proper Training

. Your training should address things like:

 Safety training schedules

 Traffic control plans
 Schedules for equipment and materials inspections
 Known hazards for your worksite and plans to alleviate them
 Equipment training
 Emergency and first aid plans

In addition to initial training, you should also brief your crew every day since
conditions and hazards can greatly vary.

2. Ensure a Competent Person is On Site

Requiring a competent person at all times seems simple, but can quickly be
derailed if your only competent person needs to temporarily leave the
worksite. Identify your key “competent people” in your crew and implement a
schedule, if needed, to ensure that at least one person is on site at all times.

3. Set Up a Proper Perimeter

The worksite should have ample space on all sides for work to be done. Using
proper barriers, cones and other barricades ensures drivers know when the worksite
begins and ends. Barricades should also be used inside the worksite to indicate
where it’s safe for crew members to walk, where materials are stored and where
equipment is used. Your crew should also mark utility lines to prevent electrocutions
and other avoidable injuries.

4. Increase Worker and Work Site Visibility

OSHA requires construction employees working on highway and road sites to wear
high-visibility clothing. High-visibility clothing includes things like hats, vests and
armbands with reflective or fluorescent materials. You can also use lights to increase
visibility if your crew is working in the evening or during periods when it’s difficult to
see.

5. Wear the Proper Safety Equipment

Additionally, crew members should also wear earmuffs or earplugs when working in
areas with extreme noise. Other important pieces of personal safety equipment
include steel-toed shoes, gloves and respirators. Crew members should also ensure
everything fits properly and do checks throughout the day to confirm everything is in
place.

6. Control Traffic

Post traffic signs an ample amount away from the work zone so drivers can prepare
to adjust to changes like slow downs or reduced lanes. You should also give drivers
enough space to safely transition out of the work zone and back into the regular flow
of traffic. Flaggers who are directing vehicles should never turn their backs to
oncoming traffic.

7. Use Caution When Operating Heavy Machinery

Large machines, like rollers and excavators, have blind spots and are capable of
fatally injuring your fellow crew members. Fortunately, there are a number of things
you can do to safely operate heavy equipment on a road or highway construction
site.

 Use a seatbelt at all times

 Apply parking brakes whenever vehicles are not in use
 Put a block in front or behind of the tires when left on an incline or decline
 Use a spotter when moving, unloading and loading equipment
 Check that mirrors and other visual aids like tail lights are attached and operational
8. Watch for Moving Vehicles and Equipment

When you’re not operating heavy construction equipment, be aware of the areas
heavy equipment are moving, exiting and entering. Steer clear of areas where
walking is prohibited. You should also ensure you’re not in a position where you’re
caught in between pieces of equipment or under anything like booms or arms. In
addition to heavy equipment in the work zone, you should also pay attention to
drivers.
Safety Tips for Drivers

Construction worker precautions can only work to an extent. To keep everyone safe,
drivers must also be mindful of active construction sites on the road. We’ve put
together a handful of tips you can use to inform drivers about staying safe on roads
and highways with active construction activity.