HIGHWAY & TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

ECG564
OPEN-ENDED LAB
SEMESTER 2021/2022

TITLE OF EXPERIMENT : ROAD SAFETY AUDIT

DATE OF EXPERIMENT : 12 JUNE 2022
GROUP : EC2206A3A
GROUP MEMBERS 1. MOHAMAD IQBAL FAIZ BIN MOHAMAD KHAIRI
(2019423294)
2. MOHAMAD IKRAM BIN ABBAS (2019685788)
3. NOOR EISYA IDAYU BINTI AB HALIM (2019230074)
4. NOORSHAHIRA BINTI MD ISA (2019488732)
5. NOR AZIRA BINTI ABDUL AZIZ (20196422618)
LECTURER : NORFARAH NADIA BINTI ISMAIL
LEVEL OF OPENNESS : 2

MARKS COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION
BASIC CONCEPTS
METHODOLOGY 1 2 3 4 5
RESULTS&ANALYSIS 1 2 3 4 5
DISCUSSION 1 2 3 4 5
CONCLUSION 1 2 3 4 5

TOTAL MARKS
INTRODUCTION

The traffic accident crisis in Malaysia is one of the most serious problems in the
country. Accidents in Malaysia are common, especially in rural areas with a high
concentration of road users. The government has used various ways and alternatives
to reduce the accident rate in Malaysia. Most accidents that occur in Malaysia are
related to road conditions, the environment, driver behavior, and other factors. Road
users should be aware and vigilant of the number of people involved in a road accident
of leads to an increase in road fatalities.
The Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a technical methodology aimed at identifying
potential safety hazards or operational precautions that may adversely affect the safety
of all road users during the planning, design, and construction of road projects. RSA can
detect potential security risks before they become accident sites. The implementation
faces many problems, including poor management of RSA, common mistakes made by
designers, and inconsistent application and implementation of RSA.
The Road Safety Audit becomes proof of the problem that occurs on the road. In
the road safety inspection report, the government committed to two major initiatives
to identify potential road safety risks, such as accident prevention, which focuses more
on detecting and eliminating accidents involving danger zones and accident
prevention, and which focuses more on building safer roads and better traffic control
for all road users.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of road safety to be carried out are:

1. To identify the hazardous features of an existing road in such a way that it can
be demolished or treated until it becomes unintentionally prone to location.
2. To ensure the safety standards for all road users are specifically taken into
account in the planning, design, construction, and operation of road projects.

BASIC CONCEPT

Designing a safe and efficient road requires a fundamental understanding of

certain human factors, vehicle characteristics, and their interaction with the roads and
their environment. It is important to identify potential safety hazards in new road
projects at an appropriate stage so that they can be removed or otherwise addressed to
mitigate their adverse impact with minimal cost. While it is important to identify
dangerous features on an existing road, they could be removed or treated before they
become collision hazards. The principles of ‘design for safety elements to be
considered:
 Intersection locations
 Road links between the intersection
 Safety in geometric design
➢Cross-section

➢Grading and drainage

➢Horizontal and vertical alignment

➢General roadway layout

➢Intersections

➢Interchanges
➢Traffic signal

➢Traffic signs
➢Pavement marking and delineation

➢Roadside safety features

➢Street lighting

➢Landscaping

PROBLEM STATEMENT

It is not uncommon to find that safety and operational problems become evident
shortly after many new road projects become operational. In most cases, these
problems could have been anticipated, or at least their effects could have been
mitigated, at little extra cost if they had been identified at the appropriate stage in the
development of the project.
PROCEDURE

1. The Road Safety Audit was carried out in accordance with the Guideline for the
States Audit of Roads and Road Projects in Malaysia prepared by JKR.
2. The appropriate study location was selected to conduct a Road Safety Audit
which consists of an existing road stretch, length, and radius, not more than
2km.
3. The area of study was being observed, by examining the several elements
including junction geometrical layout, roadside features, landscaping, road
signage, and road markings.
4. The problems of the road which developed from traffic operations regarding the
safety of the drivers were identified.
5. The hazards were also identified due to the way the landscaping has matured
such as trees and foliage obstructing signs or sight distance impaired.
6. The visual inspection was carried out on the inventories of the junction’s
physical and geometrical properties on the site.
7. Each direction of the road was driven on and the key area of safety concern was
identified.
8. Digital photos of each of the elements were taken representing the problems by
the road and its surrounding area.
9. All the data collected, and the photos captured were analyzed in detail and are
presented in the report.
RESULTS & ANALYSIS

Road Safety Parameters

There were a few things that needed to be examined because the road safety audit is for
Stage 5, which is the audit of existing roads. Alignment of the horizontal and vertical axes is
checked first. Three things need to be examined. First, the overall alignment standard needs
to be examined for consistency along the entire route, and any places where it abruptly
changes and deviates from what the drivers would expect need to be documented. Second,
"sub-standard" curves-defined as any curve with a speed value greater than 10 km/hr below
the 85th percentile approach speed-need to be recognized. It is also necessary to record any
indications of vehicles veering off the road.

Other than that, it is important to make note of any places along the route when the cross-
section standard abruptly alters or deviates from what the driver would normally anticipate.
Any area where the roadway's capacity is constrained is indicated, as is any place where
there is frequently backed-up traffic. The absence of "turning vehicle" protections at
intersections and any places with insufficient shoulder width are then noted. Any area where
speeds exceed 50 km/h and a "barrier kerb" has been deployed is documented, and the
correct sort of kerb that has been utilised is verified. It is important to verify that the cross
section suitably accommodates "Vulnerable Road Users." As for the cross section for
bicyclist, it should have segregated areas (paved shoulders), where numbers are significant.
The cross section for motorcyclist should have segregated lanes (paved shoulders) and
separate roadways, where warranted by demand. Any location where the cross section does
not allow the development of appropriate access control needs to be identified.

When it comes to intersections, the approach (stopping) sight distance, entering sight
distance, and safe intersection sight distance requirements that depend on the traffic speed
attained need to be examined. It is also necessary to check the intersection's general layout
features. For instance, it's important to confirm that the intersection's basic design
accommodates all road users (pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles) securely. The layout is
also examined for consistency with different traffic patterns. It's also important to look for
any missing auxiliary (turning) lanes and any gaps in the "through" traffic lanes.

Additionally, effective and equitable control of traffic flow along and across arterial roads as
well as for the safe crossing of pedestrians must be examined. Traffic signals are given only
where warranted for sale. It's also important to make sure that the availability, placement,
and spacing of traffic lights along the route support a practical traffic management approach.
It is necessary to verify that every implanted signal is operating successfully and efficiently.
Then, it is necessary to verify any area where the signal hardware, such as signal faces, is
insufficient to safely govern the various traffic movements.

In addition, the street lighting provided on arterial roads and highways in cities, towns, and
other "built-up" regions needs to be monitored, particularly when there are pedestrians and
parking along the road. It's also important to verify the installed illumination to ensure that it
meets the location's, the needs of pedestrians, and other elements' requirements. The
locations of roadway lighting poles that present a driving danger, such as small islands, the
noses of medians, or the outside of acute curves, are noted. There may be instances where
sharing traffic signal pedestals and electric power poles could remove the need for street
lighting poles.

Regarding traffic signage, it is necessary to look for instances of unlicensed traffic signs and
the usage of unusual signs. Check the placement and separation of the signs, and make note
of any areas with an excessive number of signs or signs that are placed too closely together.
All traffic signs must be prominently posted and easily seen by the intended road users. The
amount of information displayed on traffic signs as well as the speed of moving cars need to
be taken into consideration in any situations when the legibility of the information is subpar.
It is necessary to look for any instances where signs contain too much information to be
readable by drivers moving at a regular operating speed.

In terms of regulatory and warning signs, it is important to verify that the proper regulatory
signs have been presented when necessary and that warning signals have only been utilised
when they are necessary. Regarding guide and direction signs, they should be checked on a
systematic route or regional strategy to ensure that they are rational and fulfil the demands
of uninitiated drivers. The presence of advance direction signs, intersection direction signs,
and reassurance (distance) signs should be checked at all crucial intersections. To ensure that
the targeted drivers can take the necessary action, it is important to double-check that these
signs are positioned correctly. It is important to look for cases where the destination names
on successive signs, such as "advance direction signs" followed by "intersection direction
signs" and "reassurance direction signs," differ.

Additionally, for pavement marking checklists, it is advisable to verify the overall

sufficiency and visibility of the pavement marking both at night and in inclement weather. It
is important to verify that the proper form of line marking has been applied in each case,
including "Continuity Lines" at merge and diverge sections and "Double (barrier) Lines"
when overtaking is to be forbidden. Check for any gaps in the "through traffic lane"
designation and "Trap" lanes if there are any. Any inconsistency in the separation of the
Merge and Diverge sectors, including any potential for 'through' traffic to accidentally enter
the auxiliary and turn lanes, needs to be examined. At approach ends of islands and medians,
it is necessary to look for areas where there is a lack of "Hazard Marking."

Not least of all, it is important to check for general traffic management issues. In accordance
with any adopted warrants, guides, and procedures, any special provisions that have been
provided for motorcyclists should be verified and commented on the necessity for such
upgrades as "paved shoulders," "segregated motorcycle lanes," or "separated motorcycle
roadways." The level of safety provided to pedestrians, especially schoolchildren, needs to
be reviewed next, and any situations where special accommodations are required should be
noted. Existing speed limits should be evaluated for appropriateness and credibility, and if
necessary, remarked upon if, in the opinion of the majority of drivers, they are impractical
given the traffic conditions, the type of nearby development, or other factors. In order to
increase safety during the "Festive Season" and Holiday Periods, when traffic demands are
high and the majority of drivers are relatively inexperienced on the road, it is necessary to
check for any unique difficulties and requirements that may be necessary.
Location

Figure 1: Location of the study on Google Maps

The location that had been selected for this study is at UITM Shah Alam. The Road Safety
Audit had was carried out along the road started along the Jalan Ilmu 1/1. Both direction of
the existing road has been considered in this study.
Road Safety Audit Findings

The state of the pavement, footpath, drainage, lighting system, traffic signs, and many other
issues were examined during the Road Safety Audit.

No Problems Effects Recommendations

1 Pavement • Can cause •Assign for
condition unstable control of pavement
vehicle tyres and rehabilitation which
•Cracks on road possibility of produces a
asphalt due to poor direction shifting. substantial extension
maintenance. in service life by
• Drivers tend to substantially
avoid them in improving pavement
rush, and it cause condition, safety and
an accident ride quality.
especially for the
drivers that •Surface
unfamiliar with maintenance of Road
that area. Pavement
maintenance and
rehabilitation
programs, restore
riding quality and
maintain the
structural integrity of
the pavement over
its full design life.
2 Road Marking • The driver's • Ensuring that
inability to gauge pavement lanes are
•Road markings their stopping and properly marked and
start to fade, making overtaking sight painted; markers
it difficult for distances (OSD). must be illuminated
drivers to see the or reflectorized so
line, especially at • The driver's that they can be seen
night and during the inability to stop at at night. It can
day. the stop sign, therefore be marked
which makes it using paint,
• Poor road upkeep, necessary for other thermoplastics, or
insufficient road vehicles to premade tapes.
marking and line continue ahead of
delineation, and them at junctions. • Make sure the path
inadequate signage is adequately
can cause accidents. marked, especially at
night and preferably
while it's raining.
3 Traffic Sign •If drivers are not • It indicates that all
alert to the active drivers should
•Already damaged movement of benefit from
sign board pedestrians trying updating their
to cross the road, knowledge of traffic
•Pedestrians are accidents may signs.
hard to see on the happen.
road • Install traffic lights
•Due to the lack of to manage traffic
 a speed restriction flow along and
signboard, drivers across arterial
frequently raise roadways safely,
their vehicle's efficiently, and
speed. equitably, as well as
to ensure that
pedestrians can cross
safely.

• Install the proper

Regulatory Signs to
put the required
traffic controls in
place at the
intersections and
along the route.

4 Landscaping • The driver's • Provide landscape

inability to gauge maintenance, such as
.The tree was their stopping and trimming and
sticking out. overtaking sight pruning services,
distances (OSD). weekly mowing
• Trees blocking the services, and
light street's path to • The driver is seasonal clean-ups.
the road unable to see what
is in front of them • The "Clear Zone
• Trees blocking the on the road. Width" (CZW) shall
light street's path to be provided along
the road • The driver is both sides of the
unable to road.
anticipate any
hazards that may • Trees that are to be
arise from their planted in the "Clear
blind spot. Zone" shall not
mature or grow a
huge trunk size that
could endanger
moving cars.
DISCUSSION

Stage 5: RSA of an Existing Road is the focus of the road safety audit that was
conducted for this project. An audit at this point reveals dangers caused by how the
landscaping has evolved as well as safety issues that arise from the natural wear and
tear of traffic operations. The observation shows that there are a number of possible
dangerous features at the place under investigation. The venue is in Universiti
Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, and is just in front of the engineering faculty on Jalan
Ilmu 1/1. The research area has a length and radius of little more than 2 km, and it
took 800m to observe the road. It is measured along Engine Square's main
thoroughfare.
For each inspection, as shown in the table above, a number of suggestions have also
been made. Along with the photographic documentation of the observations in the
previous section, the following characteristics of safe roads were also noted:
1) Proper and consistent demarcation of the road and the path ahead, as well as
advance notification of width and alignment changes that might not be visible to
a motorcylist.
2) Define merge and diverge regions, auxiliary lane arrangements, shoulders and
parking controls, pavement sections not meant for driving, danger zones, lane
dips, and road narrowing using the proper line marking pattern.
3) Ensure that there is enough space between signs for a driver to see and
understand each one under typical traffic circumstances, as well as proper sight
distance to the sign.
4) Effective overall traffic management that takes into account the demands of all
motorists.
5) Ensure that road medians are broad enough for plants to provide an effective
barrier and that landscaping impacts do not restrict sight distance at crucial
spots.
The research evaluated the in-situ test and looked at the area using Google Maps and
Google Street View. Time and the existing location limited the methodological options.
CONCLUSION

In general, this report aims to add to the corpus of information on traffic safety.
It has been shown that the Road Safety Audit was conducted in compliance with the
Malaysian Public Works Department's Guidelines for the Safety Audit of Roads and
Road Projects (JKR). The Stage 5 Audit: RSA on Existing Road study was carried out,
and the 800 m-long Jalan Ilmu 1/1 in front of the Faculty of Engineering in Shah Alam
was chosen as the existing road to be audited. There are a number of issues with this
current road that could jeopardize the safety of any user, such as the confusing zebra
crossing for pedestrians and the uneven road surface caused by poor maintenance.

However, before the current road becomes an accident-prone area, the issues
should be resolved or the prospective risks should be mitigated. Mitigation measures
should then be built, such as providing the necessary regulation signs or specific
crossing facilities for the road users. Conducting a road safety audit has several
advantages, especially for the people who use the roads. It can be used as a preventive
tool to prevent accidents by implementing the recommendations in its reports for
mitigating the hazards. Above all, a road safety audit can lower the likelihood that
accidents will occur on the current route while simultaneously enhancing that road's
safety.