DESIGNING SAFER ROADS FOR ALL ROAD USERS

Mike Dreznes, Executive Vice President IRF Washington

IRF Andean Highway Congress. August 20-22, 2012. Lima, Peru

The International Road Federation

A nongovernmental, not-for-profit organization with the mission to encourage and promote development and maintenance of better, safer and more sustainable roads and road networks

www.irfnews.org

The International Road Federation

The mission of the IRF is to use technology transfer to ensure best practices and state of the art technologies from around the globe are used to build better roads in every country in the world

www.irfnews.org

IRF FELLOWS FROM PERU

CARLOS ELIAS FERNANDO PADRN B Rolando F PAZ Virginia Polytechnic Institute Ohio State University Ohio State University 1988 1957 1962

FRED ROMANI
Hector ROZAS F Luis VERA BARANDIARAN Carlos Chang-Albitres Edgar Barriga Calle Felix CEBRECOS REVILLA Efrain Serrudo Valdez De Peralta FERNANDO GALUP Alan R MARTINOT OLIART ALFREDO SARAVIA

Purdue University
Ohio State University Purdue University Texas A&M University Ohio State University Ohio State University Ohio State University University of Maryland University of Texas - Austin Northwestern University

1964
1973 1959 1997 1965 1985 1956 1995 1999 1971

Jos Luis CANO Augusto Del Valle L

Eduardo Gandolfo G Ricardo Gandolfo Suito Aurea Lopez Jara Eliana VIVAR DEL PILAR Edgar Miguel Barriga Juan Pablo VSQUEZ

Ohio State University Purdue University

Purdue University Yale University Purdue University Purdue University Ohio State University Purdue University

1951 1956
1983 1949 2003 2002 2000 1990

Thank you to IIRSA Norte/IIRSA Sur for your kind contribution to the IRF Fellows Educational Foundation

Who is a Vulnerable Road User (VRU)?

Someone with little or no external protection, or has reduced task capabilities, or reduced stamina/physical capabilities Pedestrians Vulnerable = Motorcyclists capable of or susceptible to being Bicyclists wounded or hurt Transit users Others

Who is a Vulnerable Road User (VRU)?

Many definitions for Vulnerable Road Users do not include Motorcyclists. For the purpose of this training, Motorcyclists will be included in the definition of Vulnerable Road Users Motorcyclists need to be considered as their own safety category

Who Wins this Battle?

Can we DESIGN for ALL users all the time?

NO!

But we can CONSIDER their needs all the time!

The Problem

In many countries, high volumes of pedestrians, cyclists and other VRU have little choice but to travel along roads in close proximity to fast vehicles

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The Problem

In many countries, high volumes of pedestrians, cyclists and other VRU have little choice but to travel along roads in close proximity to fast vehicles As a consequence, many VRU are put in a high risk situation, which inevitably leads to large numbers of VRU crashes

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night, Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless drivers and pedestrians

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night, Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless drivers and pedestrians

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless drivers and pedestrians

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The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless drivers and pedestrians

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless (BAD) drivers and pedestrians Careless drivers and pedestrians

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The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless (BAD) drivers and pedestrians Distracted drivers

Count how many times the players wearing white pass the ball

The Problem

Pedestrians are the major victims of crashes due to High speed of motor vehicles Drivers not seeing pedestrians or ignoring their rights to cross streets and roads Poor visibility at night Drunk drivers and pedestrians Careless (BAD) drivers and pedestrians Distracted drivers Distracted pedestrians

The Problem

Pedestrian crossings are not respected Signs are stolen Zebra stripes wear out without being repainted Street vendors occupy sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the streets Vendors coming onto the streets to sell goods to cars stopped for red lights

Safer Roads Contribution

Deliver 1/3rd global target? iRAPs contribution Focus on risky roads where deaths concentrated Help build safety into new road and rehabilitation plans Help evidence based policy Speed management Project management

The Problem

Pedestrian crossings are not respected Signs are stolen Zebra stripes wear out without being repainted Street vendors occupy sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the streets Vendors coming onto the streets to sell goods to cars stopped for red lights

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The Problem

Pedestrian crossings are not respected Signs are stolen Zebra stripes wear out without being repainted Street vendors occupy sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the streets Vendors coming onto the streets to sell goods to cars stopped for red lights

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The Problem

Pedestrian crossings are not respected Signs are stolen Zebra stripes wear out without being repainted Street vendors occupy sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the streets Vendors coming onto the streets to sell goods to cars stopped for red lights

Mixed Traffic

The Problem

Pedestrian crossings are not respected Signs are stolen Zebra stripes wear out without being repainted Street vendors occupy sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the streets Vendors coming onto the streets to sell goods to cars stopped for red lights

The Problem

Traffic surveys, which form the basis of highway improvement schemes in developing countries, rarely includes counts of pedestrian and other VRU Planners and engineers are not incorporating measures for these VRU Poor vehicle maintenance or the condition and skill of the drivers

The Problem

Traffic surveys, which form the basis of highway improvement schemes in developing countries, rarely includes counts of pedestrian and other VRU Planners and engineers are not incorporating measures for these VRU Poor vehicle maintenance or the condition and skill of the drivers

The Problem

Traffic surveys, which form the basis of highway improvement schemes in developing countries, rarely includes counts of pedestrian and other VRU Planners and engineers are not incorporating measures for these VRU Poor vehicle maintenance or the condition and skill of the drivers

VRU Crashes Issues

Injuries tend to be more severe, often fatal Issue is large-scale, underestimated & growing Responsibility for safe mobility of VRU mainly rests with others: VRUs cause little danger to others but run serious risks

VRU Crashes Issues

Injuries tend to be more severe, often fatal Issue is large-scale, underestimated & growing Responsibility for safe mobility of VRU mainly rests with others: VRUs cause little danger to others but run serious risks

VRU Crashes Issues

Injuries tend to be more severe, often fatal Issue is large-scale, underestimated & growing Responsibility for safe mobility of VRU mainly rests with others: VRUs cause little danger to others but run serious risks

What is the Approach?

Recognize the problem

What is the Approach?

Recognize the problem Commit to solve it

What is the Approach?

Recognize the problem Commit to solve it Attack it systematically

What is the Approach?

Recognize the problem Commit to solve it Attack it systematically Evaluate results

This presentation discusses these concepts!

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The majority of urban trips are still by walking There is little or no coordination amongst the different modes of transport The small-scale private sector is the major supplier of urban transport services and is under-capitalized and fragmented

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The majority of urban trips are still by walking There is little or no coordination amongst the different modes of transport The small-scale private sector is the major supplier of urban transport services and is under-capitalized and fragmented

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The majority of urban trips are still by walking There is little or no coordination amongst the different modes of transport The small-scale private sector is often the major supplier of urban transport services and is under-capitalized and fragmented

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The regulatory system governing public transport is inadequate and ineffective meeting the demand Traffic accident rates are quite high Roads are in poor condition

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The regulatory system governing public transport is inadequate and ineffective meeting the demand Traffic accident rates are quite high Roads are in poor condition

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The regulatory system governing public transport is inadequate and ineffective meeting the demand Traffic accident rates are quite high Roads are in poor condition

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The skill levels of planning and regulatory personnel are inadequate or nonexistent Low/poor enforcement of traffic laws due to corruption and inadequate human and financial resources

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Most Developing Countries

The skill levels of planning and regulatory personnel are inadequate or nonexistent Low/poor enforcement of traffic laws due to corruption and inadequate human and financial resources

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Many Developing Countries

Traffic conditions are chaotic Uncontrolled parking Street vendors

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Many Developing Countries

Traffic conditions are chaotic Uncontrolled parking Street vendors

Pedestrian Conflicts

Common Issues with Urban Transport in Many Developing Countries

Traffic conditions are chaotic Uncontrolled parking Street vendors

These issues represent a challenge to the safety of VRU

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Pedestrians

Bicyclists

Motorcyclists

Public Transit (PT) Users

Others

Pedestrians

Pedestrians Are Diverse

Able-bodied

Children

Pedestrians Are Diverse

Physically Challenged

Pedestrian Conflicts

Pedestrian Accidents in Developing Countries

All too common Frequency growing rapidly Account for 40% or road fatalities

Pedestrian Accidents in Developing Countries

All too common Frequency growing rapidly or road fatalities

Pedestrian Accidents in Developing Countries

All too common Frequency growing rapidly Account for up to 50% of road fatalities in some countries

Between 1968 and 1998 road fatalities in some countries increased by 400%

Lack of Pedestrian Facilities Create Safety Challenges

Disorganization Obstructing Dedicated Walkways & Cycling Tracks

Walking: The Predominant Mode

50 percent of all daily trips Yet segregated facilities are lacking Cycling is not common in some countries Continuous routes for cycling or walking are absent

Walking: The Predominant Mode

50 percent of all daily trips Yet segregated facilities are lacking Cycling is not common in some countries Continuous routes for cycling or walking are absent

Walking: The Predominant Mode

When they are present, footpaths and bicycle lanes often are obstructed or occupied illegally by parked cars, and both legal and illegal kiosks

Understand and then use the Infrastructure Safety Management (ISM) Approach

What is Infrastructure Safety Management (ISM)?

A systematic approach to improve road safety by: Applying PREVENTIVE strategies Applying REACTIVE strategies Integrating safety in all phases of planning, design and operation of road infrastructure

Infrastructure Safety Management

Road Safety Impact Assessment
Road Safety Audit Road Safety Inspection Black Spot Management Network Safety Management

(RIA)

(RSA)
PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES

(RSI)

(BSM)

(NSM)

REACTIVE STRATEGIES
Existing Roads

New Schemes

Infrastructure Safety Management

Yes New Road? Yes No

Road Safety Audit

Crash Data?

No

Black Spot Management Network Safety Management Road Safety Audit Guidelines Road Safety Manuals

Road Safety Inspection Road Safety Inspection Guidelines

Infrastructure Safety Management

Strategy
Preventive

Advantages
Before the crash Lives are saved

Disadvantages
Hard to justify funding: no perceived problem
Requires crash data Too late for the dead/injured

Reactive

The problem is documented

1. Preventive Strategies
Road Safety Impact Assessment Road Safety Audit Road Safety Inspection

1. Preventive Strategies
Road Safety Impact Assessment

Road Safety Impact Assessment

Identifies the likely effects of proposed roads or policy actions on safety

Road Safety Impact Assessment

Identifies the likely effects of proposed roads or policy actions on safety Covers the whole road network

Road Safety Impact Assessment

Identifies the likely effects of proposed roads or policy actions on safety Covers the whole road network Assesses the impact of plans with a wider scope: Road Safety Master Plan

1. Preventive Strategies
Road Safety Impact Assessment Road Safety Audit

Road Safety Audits

Look beyond compliance with design standards

Road Safety Audits

Look beyond compliance with design standards A team of safety experts checks for any possible improvements

Road Safety Audits

Look beyond compliance with design standards A team of safety experts checks for any possible improvements Designs can be modified before construction

1. Preventive Strategies
Road Safety Impact Assessment Road Safety Audit Road Safety Inspection

Road Safety Inspections

Systematic assessment of an existing road with respect to safety features

Road Safety Inspections

Systematic assessment of an existing road with respect to safety features Identifies hazards & suggests remedial measures

2. Reactive Strategies
Black Spot Management Network Safety Management

2. Reactive Strategies
Black Spot Management

Black Spot Management

Any location that has a higher expected number of crashes than other similar locations as a result of local risk factors

Black Spot Management

Any location that has a higher expected number of crashes than other similar locations as a result of local risk factors Crashes are analyzed to find patterns and contributing factors

Black Spot Management

Any location that has a higher expected number of crashes than other similar locations as a result of local risk factors Crashes are analyzed to find patterns and contributing factors Countermeasures are implemented and effects are evaluated

Black Spot Management

Any location that has a higher expected number of crashes than other similar locations as a result of local risk factors Crashes are analyzed to find patterns and contributing factors Countermeasures are implemented and effects are evaluated Before and after analysis

Black Spot Map

2. Reactive Strategies
Black Spot Management Network Safety Management

Network Safety Management

A modern replacement to traditional BSM

Network Safety Management

A modern replacement to traditional BSM Identification and treatment of hazardous road sections: any section 2-10 km that has a higher number of crashes than similar road sections

Network Safety Management

A modern replacement to traditional BSM Identification and treatment of hazardous road sections: any section 2-10 km that has a higher number of crashes than similar road sections May require traffic data

From Black Spot Management (BSM) to Network Safety Management (NSM)

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

RECOMMENDED APPROACH

Targeting high concentrations of deaths and injuries

100%
Cumulative traffic volume or social cost (%)

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 0% 20%

20% of roads account for 79% of traffic and 87% of social cost of crashes 10% of roads account for 56% of traffic and 74% of social cost of crashes Social cost of crashes Traffic volume

40%

60%

80%

100%

Cumulative road length (%)

Quality Assurance of the Safety of Infrastructure

Intermediate Outcome Measure for Infrastructure Safety (Safety Rating, iRAP )

Safety Standards & Design Guidelines

international Road Assessment Programme iRAP

Photo: Ian Dibsdall

iRAP Inspections

Drive through inspections road features recorded on specialised equipment

iRAP Inspections
Drive through inspections road features recorded on specialised equipment

Video capture with road features coded and analysed later in the lab

Steel Longitudinal Barriers

Crashes that kill pedestrians and bicyclists

Crossing and moving along roads

We need safe footpaths,

1-248 safe crossings

iRAP: Inspecting Roads

30 + attributes important to safety every 100 km Independent of crash data

iRAP :Star Rating

Level of safety built-in to the road

Car occupants Motorcyclists Bicyclists Pedestrians

Risk Mapping

Reports
Overview
RPS stars Total 1 2 3 4 Not rated

Maps
Detailed

Different Charts and Tables for different user groups: overview by region for banks, detail of infrastructure deficits for a route for local engineers

RPS stars

Total

1 Dangerous
1

2 Some Hazards

3 Marginal Safety
3

4 Good Safety Not rated

This slides to have web pages as examples

www.iRAP.net

Summary

The Infrastructure Safety Management and iRAP schemes provide a systematic approach to improve safety, in this case the safety of Vulnerable Road Users!
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