Road safety : an analysis of shortcomings with proposals for improvements from a road engineering perspective

Abstract

During the last decade, 170 persons lost their lives and over 1,500 were seriously injured in traffic accidents on Malta's roads. Recent statistics indicate that the accident rate is on the increase and, if appropriate measures are not taken, the current increase in traffic will undoubtedly lead to a further rise in the number of accidents. The main causes of road accidents are: incorrect design of road elements including alignments, lane widths and junctions; the poor state of the roads themselves, especially with potholes and low skid resistance; roads that cater almost exclusively for the needs of motorised traffic, ignoring those of other categories of users: insufficient pedestrian crossings, inadequate lighting, obstructions; negligent behaviour, particularly overspeeding; impairments of road users, including lack of skill and judgement and fatigue; and vehicle defects Undoubtedly, road safety should be a critical priority and deserves commitments at highest levels. The solution to the road safety problem is based on the "three Es" principle: Engineering, Education and Enforcement. The aim of this dissertation is to tackle the issue from a road engineering point of view. The main responsibility of the road engineer is to create a safe road environment providing a well-tolerated balance of the demands of all road participants - keeping in mind the requirements of special categories such as children, the elderly and disabled. The aim should be the prevention of accidents (active safety) rather than the reduction of injury consequences (passive safety). This dissertation is divided into five chapters. The first two deal with accident statistics and the reporting and storing of accident data. Chapter three analyses the human needs and limitations of road users. The final two chapters discuss the needs of the different road user groups with the aim of enhancing safety on our roads.