SUBJECT NAME: ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING (BCV755A)

MODULE:3- Road Safety in Transport Planning and Geometric Design

Syllabus Road Safety in Transport Planning and Geometric Design: Vehicle
And Human Characteristics, Road Design And Safety Elements, Redesigning
Junctions, Cross Section Improvements, Traffic Control, Traffic Calming Measures,
Road Safety Furniture

Vehicle and Human characteristics:

Vehicle Characteristics:
The vehicle characteristics has been classified into two types,

1. Static characteristics
2. Dynamic characteristics

Static characteristics:
Static characteristics are the physical and dimensional properties (width, height, length, rear
overhang, and ground clearance) of a vehicle that remain constant during motion. They
influence. lane width, overhead clearance, minimum turning radius, and pavement design.
The following are static characteristics of vehicle.

a. Vehicle Dimensions:
Width: Affects lane width, shoulder width, and parking facility design.
Height: Determines clearance requirements for structures like overpasses, underpasses, and
signage.
Length: Influences extra pavement width, minimum turning radius, safe overtaking
distance, and parking space requirements.
b. Rear Overhang: Important for turning maneuvers, especially when exiting a stationary
position.
c. Ground Clearance: Crucial for designing ramps, access points, and preventing vehicles
from bottoming out on uneven surfaces.
d. Weight:
Determines pavement thickness and the structural capacity of cross-drainage structures.
e. Maximum Turning Angle:
Affects the design of curves, particularly for slow-speed maneuvers.
f. Other factors:
The driver's field of vision, as affected by windshield and vehicle body design, is also
considered a static characteristic impacting road design.

Dynamic characteristics:
Dynamic characteristics are the performance-related properties of a vehicle during motion.
They influence acceleration, braking, cornering, and stability.
1. Speed and Acceleration
1. Vehicle acceleration impacts how quickly a vehicle can increase its speed, which is especially
important when merging, overtaking, or entering traffic streams. Different vehicles accelerate at
different rates; for instance, heavy trucks accelerate more slowly than passenger cars.

2. In geometric design, acceleration is considered when determining the length of acceleration lanes,
climbing lanes, and passing zones. For example, on highways, entrance ramps are designed with
acceleration lanes long enough to allow vehicles to reach highway speeds before merging. In hilly
terrain, additional climbing lanes may be provided for heavy vehicles that cannot maintain normal
speeds due to reduced acceleration capacity. Ensuring adequate space for acceleration reduces speed
differentials between vehicles, which enhances safety and improves traffic flow.

 High speed reduces driver reaction time and increases stopping distance.
 Rapid acceleration may cause loss of control, especially in curves.

2. Braking Performance
1. Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it
comes to a complete stop. It depends on several factors, including vehicle speed, weight, brake system
efficiency, tire condition, and road surface. In geometric design, braking distance is a major
component of the stopping sight distance (SSD), which is the total distance needed for a driver to
perceive a hazard, react, and stop safely.

2. To ensure safety, SSD is used to determine the minimum required sight distance on curves, at
intersections, and over hills. Longer braking distances are required at higher speeds, so highways and
rural roads designed for faster travel must include longer sight distances and flatter curves.
Additionally, surface materials, drainage, and maintenance must support adequate tire-road friction to
allow safe braking under various weather conditions.

 Ability of the vehicle to decelerate safely without losing stability.

 Features like ABS help maintain steering control during hard braking.

3. Hill Climbing Ability

 Power-to-weight ratio determines ability to climb gradients.

 Poor climbing ability can cause slow movement and traffic hazards on slopes.

4. Overtaking Ability

 Depends on acceleration, engine power, and road space.

 Insufficient overtaking ability increases collision risk with oncoming vehicles.

5. Cornering Stability

 Affected by suspension design, tyre grip, and centre of gravity.

 Poor stability increases rollover chances in sharp turns.

6. Ride Comfort and Suspension Performance

 Good suspension reduces driver fatigue and improves vehicle control.

 Excessive vibrations affect handling and safety.
 7. Fuel Efficiency at Various Speeds

 Affects driver behaviour (e.g., speeding to save time vs. economical driving).
 Poor fuel efficiency may cause frequent refuelling stops, increasing exposure
on highways.

Human Characteristics:
Human or road user characteristics involved in all actions of the drivers, cyclist, pedestrians
etc., which influence on road safety may broadly classified as following,

1. Physical characteristics
2. Mental characteristics
3. Psychological characteristics
4. Environmental characteristics
5. Brake reaction time of the driver

1. Physical Characteristics

These relate to the body’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

 Vision: Good eyesight, peripheral vision, depth perception, and colour recognition
are essential.
 Hearing: Ability to detect warning horns, sirens, and approaching vehicles.
 Strength & Coordination: Necessary for steering, braking, and gear control.
 Health Conditions: Issues like epilepsy, limb disability, or fatigue can impair
safe driving.

2. Mental Characteristics

These involve the intellectual abilities required for safe driving.

 Judgment & Decision-making: Choosing safe speeds, overtaking only when clear.
 Concentration: Sustained attention to road and traffic conditions.
 Memory: Remembering rules, road signs, and hazard patterns.
 Alertness: Recognising hazards quickly and responding appropriately.

3. Psychological Characteristics

These are emotional and behavioural traits that influence driving style.

 Attitude: Respect for traffic laws and other road users.

 Aggressiveness: Over-speeding, tailgating, or road rage increases accident risk.
 Patience & Self-control: Waiting for safe gaps, avoiding risky overtakes.
 Risk Perception: Understanding and avoiding dangerous situations.

4. Environmental Characteristics

These are external influences on human performance in road safety.

 Weather: Fog, rain, or glare can reduce visibility and affect judgment.
 Road Conditions: Potholes, narrow lanes, and poor signage require quick adaptation.
  Traffic Density: Heavy traffic demands more patience and alertness.
 Noise & Distractions: Loud environments or mobile phone use can reduce focus.

5. Brake reaction time of the driver

Road Design And Safety Elements:
Road Geometric design refers to the physical layout of road elements such as alignment, cross-
section, sight distance, and intersections. These design elements directly influence the safety,
efficiency, and comfort of road users. When properly designed, they reduce conflict points, improve
visibility, and accommodate a wide range of vehicle and driver characteristics. However, poor
geometric design can lead to confusion, mis judgment, and ultimately, a higher risk of accidents.

Critical Geometric Design Elements Influencing Road Safety:

1. Horizontal and Vertical Alignment: The alignment of a road includes curves (horizontal) and
slopes (vertical). Gentle curves and gradual gradients provide better control and visibility for drivers.
Sharp curves or sudden elevation changes can reduce sight distance and increase the likelihood of
vehicles leaving the roadway, especially at high speeds or in poor weather conditions.
2. Sight Distance: Sight distance is the length of road visible to the driver. Adequate stopping sight
distance (SSD) and Overtaking sight distance (OSD) must be provided so that drivers can detect
hazards in time to react safely. Sight distance is especially important at intersections, curves, and
pedestrian crossings. Insufficient visibility leads to delayed reactions and potential collisions.
3. Lane Width and Shoulder Design: Appropriate lane widths improve vehicle stability and reduce
side-swipe accidents. Wider shoulders provide recovery space for brakedown vehicles and safe zones
for disabled vehicles or emergency stops. Narrow lanes or inadequate shoulders can cause vehicles to
drift out of their lanes or off the road, particularly under high traffic volumes or at higher speeds.
4. Intersection Design: Intersections are among the most complex and high-risk parts of road
networks. Good intersection design includes proper alignment, adequate turning radii, clear signage,
and signal control. Roundabouts, for instance, reduce conflict points compared to traditional four-way
intersections and help lower crash severity. Poorly designed intersections can lead to confusion,
increased conflict points, and high-speed crashes.
 5. Cross Slopes and Drainage: Cross slopes help drain water off the pavement to prevent
hydroplaning. Flat or improperly drained surfaces increase the risk of skidding, especially during rain.
Proper drainage design ensures safe vehicle handling and maintains pavement integrity.
6. Roadside Design and Clear Zones: Safe roads include recovery areas or “clear zones” free of
fixed objects. Barriers, signage, and landscaping should be placed beyond these zones or designed to
minimize harm if struck. Poor roadside design increases the severity of run-off-road crashes.
5. Super-elevation
 Tilting of road surface on curves to counteract centrifugal force.
 Reduces skidding and overturning risk.
6. Road Surface Quality
 Skid-resistant and even surfaces reduce accident chances.
 Proper drainage avoids waterlogging.
7. Roadside Safety Features
 Guardrails, crash barriers, medians, and clear zones protect errant vehicles from
severe collisions.
 Properly designed intersections and roundabouts reduce conflict points.
8. Traffic Control Devices
 Signs, signals, and road markings guide and regulate road users.
 Reflective materials improve night-time visibility.
9. Pedestrian and Cyclist Facilities
 Footpaths, zebra crossings, and cycle tracks enhance safety for vulnerable users.
10. Lighting
 Adequate street lighting improves night visibility, reducing night time accidents.

Consequences of Poor Geometric Design: Poor geometric design leads to several safety issues. It can
confuse drivers, reduce decision-making time, and increase the likelihood of high-speed crashes. For
example, a curve that is too sharp without warning or banking may cause vehicles to lose control.
Inadequate sight distance at intersections can result in collisions due to unseen cross traffic.
Misaligned intersections or abrupt lane merges can cause rear-end or side-impact crashes. Poor
drainage and shoulder design increase the likelihood of rollover accidents or hydroplaning.

Critical geometric design elements—such as alignment, sight distance, lane and shoulder width,
and intersection layout—are essential for safe road operation. When these elements are poorly
designed or neglected, the risk of crashes increases significantly. Therefore, integrating safety-focused
geometric principles is key to developing road systems that protect all users.

Redesigning Junctions:
Junction redesign focuses on improving the safety and efficiency of road intersections,
particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. This involves
analyzing existing junction designs, identifying issues, and implementing solutions that can
reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.

Common Safety Issues at Intersections:

1. High Number of Conflict Points: Traditional intersections, particularly four-way ones,

have numerous potential conflict points. These include crossing conflicts, merging
conflicts, and diverging conflicts. The more conflict points there are, the higher the
 likelihood of crashes, particularly side-impact and right-angle (T-bone) collisions, which are
often severe.
2. Poor Visibility and Sight Distance: Inadequate visibility due to poor geometric design,
vegetation, or obstructions can prevent drivers from seeing oncoming traffic or pedestrians
in time to react. This is especially dangerous at uncontrolled or poorly marked
intersections.
3. Failure to Yield or Misjudgment of Gaps: Drivers often misjudge the speed or distance
of oncoming vehicles or fail to yield the right-of-way. This is common in intersections
with stop or yield signs, particularly in rural or suburban areas where speeds are higher.
4. Red-Light Running: At signalized intersections, some drivers intentionally or
unintentionally run red lights. This behavior increases the likelihood of high-speed, angle
collisions, which often result in serious injuries.
5. Left-Turn and Pedestrian Conflicts: Left-turning vehicles frequently conflict with
oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing the road. Without dedicated turn lanes or
protected turn signals, these movements can be dangerous and confusing.
Key Objectives/aspects/Role of junction redesign:
 Prioritizing Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:
Redesigning junctions often involves providing dedicated pedestrian crossings, refuge islands,
clear footpaths, and ramps for wheelchair users to enhance safety and accessibility.
 Optimizing Traffic Flow:
This can involve adjusting road angles, introducing roundabouts, or implementing grade-
separated interchanges to minimize conflicts and improve traffic flow.
 Reducing Accident Severity:
By reducing vehicle speeds, improving sightlines, and separating conflicting traffic movements,
redesigns can help minimize the severity of accidents.
 Considering User Feedback:
Stakeholder consultations, including with residents, traffic police, and other relevant bodies,
are crucial for understanding specific needs and ensuring that the redesigns are effective and
well-received.
 Using Temporary Measures:
Temporary changes like barricades and markings can be used to test design proposals before
making them permanent, allowing for adjustments based on user feedback.

Common Methods of Redesigning of Junctions

1. Channelization (redesigning of at grade junction)

i.Un-channelized Intersection

1. In un-channelized intersection, the entire intersection area is paved and there are absolutely
no restrictions to the vehicle to use any part of intersection area
 2. These are lowest class of intersections, easiest to construct but more complex in traffic
operations resulting in large conflict area and a greater number of accidents, unless controlled
by signals or police

3. This type of intersections may be adopted only on roads intersections with very low traffic
volume.

ii. Traffic Island:

Traffic islands are raised areas constructed within the roadway to establish physical channels through
which the vehicular traffic may be guided,

iii. Channelized Intersection:

1 Channelized intersection is achieved by introducing Island in order to channelize the traffic flow
into appropriate streams.
2. The channelizing island reduces the total conflict area available in the un channelized
intersection
3. The functions of channelizing islands are
a) Channelize the turning traffic into appropriate paths
b) Control the angle of vehicles coming from the different legs
c) Reduces the relative speed
d) Decreases the conflict area at the intersection
4. From the traffic point of view, there is a better control on traffic entering and leaving
intersection. Hence it is considered superior to all paved type. However, it is not possible to
avoid crossing conflicts. One of the crossing vehicles have to stop while the other proceeds
 Use of traffic islands, kerbs, and markings to guide vehicle movement.
 Separates conflicting traffic streams and improves safety.
2. Roundabouts

 Circular intersection allowing one-way flow around a central island.

 Reduces conflict points and controls vehicle speeds.
3. Signalization

 Installation of traffic signals to control movements and provide right-of-way

in phases.
 Effective for high traffic volumes and multiple approach roads.

4. Grade Separation

 Construction of flyovers, underpasses, or interchanges.

 Eliminates crossing conflicts by separating traffic flows vertically.

Types of interchanges:

Example for grade separated intersection,

Cloverleaf Interchange

5. Turning Lanes

 Additional lanes for right or left turns to reduce delay for through traffic.
  Improves capacity and reduces rear-end collisions.

6. Flared Approaches

 Widening of road approaches to accommodate more vehicles at the stop line.

 Reduces queuing length and improves capacity.

7. Pedestrian Facilities

 Zebra crossings, pedestrian signals, foot over-bridges, and subways.

 Improves safety for non-motorized users.
 8. Removal of Obstructions

 Relocating poles, signboards, or encroachments that restrict visibility and flow.

Cross Section Improvements:

Cross-sectional improvements in the road refer to modifications made to the width, shape, and
arrangement of different road elements across its width (from one side to the other) to
enhance safety, capacity, comfort, and efficiency. These improvements are vital in
modernizing roads to meet increasing traffic demand and safety standards.

Cross sectional improvements includes,

1. Pavement Surface characteristics

 Friction / Skid Resistance
 The ability of the pavement surface to resist skidding of vehicle tyres.
 Essential for vehicle control, especially during braking and turning.
 Depends on texture, material, and presence of water.
 Unevenness / Roughness
 Indicates surface irregularities that affect ride quality and vehicle operating costs.
 Measured by “Unevenness Index” (e.g., in mm/km).
 Excessive roughness causes discomfort and more fuel consumption.
 Glare
 Shining effect of pavement surface due to smoothness or reflection of light.
 Can cause visibility problems to drivers at night.
 Noise Generation
 Certain surface textures generate tyre–pavement interaction noise.
 Rougher textures cause higher noise levels.
 Light-Reflecting Characteristics
 Affects visibility during night driving.
 Adequate reflection improves safety, while too much causes glare.

2. Cross slope/Camber:
Camber is the cross slope provided to the road surface, usually given by raising the center of the
carriageway with respect to the edges, to facilitate drainage of rainwater from the pavement surface.
Objectives of camber,
 To remove rain water as early as possible
 To prevent the entry of water into the subgrade soil.
 To prevent the entry of water into the bituminous layer.
3. Carriageway width:
The carriageway is the portion of the road intended for movement of vehicles, i.e., the paved width of
the road available for traffic. It is between the edges of the pavement/shoulders and does not
include footpaths or medians.
Objectives of Carriageway,
 Increasing the width of the carriageway to accommodate higher traffic volumes.
 Helps reduce congestion and accidents
Recommended Carriageway Widths (as per IRC – Indian Roads Congress)
 Single-lane road → 3.75 m
 Two-lane without kerbs → 7.0 m
 Two-lane with kerbs → 7.5 m
 Intermediate carriageway → 5.5 m
 Multi-lane roads → 3.5 m per lane

4. Traffic Separator / Median – Definition

A traffic separator or median is the portion of the road (generally raised, paved, or painted) that
separates opposing streams of traffic on divided highways.
Objectives of shoulder
 Avoid head on collision
 Channelize the traffic into streams
 Improves Safety – Reduces chances of accidents due to lane changing and wrong-
side driving.
 Provides Space for Pedestrian Refuge – Especially at crossings on wide roads.
 Space for Street Furniture – Can accommodate lighting poles, signs, traffic
signals, and sometimes landscaping.
 Aesthetic Improvement – Plantation/landscaping on medians enhances roadway
appearance.

5. Kerbs

A kerb is a raised edge (usually made of concrete or stone) provided along the side of a
pavement/carriageway to separate the carriageway from the shoulder, footpath, or median.
It acts as a boundary and provides lateral confinement to the pavement.

Objectives of Kerb,
 Separation of Traffic and Pedestrians – Clearly distinguishes the carriageway from
the footpath.
 Safety – Prevents vehicles from leaving the carriageway and protects pedestrians.
 Structural Support – Provides lateral support to the pavement and prevents edge failure.
 Drainage Control – Guides rainwater to side drains through gaps or inlets.
 Channelization – Helps in orderly traffic movement at intersections and curves.
 Aesthetic Purpose – Improves the appearance of roads, especially with landscaping

6. Shoulder:
The shoulder is the portion of the road adjacent to the carriageway, provided on both
sides, meant for emergency use by vehicles and to provide lateral support to the
pavement. It is usually not meant for regular traffic movement.
Objectives of Shoulder
 Parking and Emergency Use – Allows vehicles to stop or park during
breakdowns or emergencies without disturbing traffic.
 Safety – Provides recovery space for vehicles that move out of
the carriageway accidentally.
 Structural Support – Offers lateral stability to the pavement and prevents
edge failure.
 Drainage – Helps in channeling surface water away from the pavement.
 Pedestrian Use – Can be used by pedestrians where footpaths are absent.
 Future Expansion – Provides space for widening of the carriageway
when required.
7. Addition of Lanes
 Converting 2-lane roads into 4-lane or 6-lane highways.
 Provides higher capacity and smoother traffic flow
8. Widening at Curves
 Extra width given on horizontal curves to accommodate off-tracking of vehicles.
 Prevents side collisions and ensures smooth vehicle movement.
9. Improved Side Slopes and Drains
 Flattening of embankment/cutting slopes and provision of lined side drains.
 Ensures stability and better drainage, reducing erosion and accidents.
10. Provision of Service Roads
 Separate roads alongside highways for local traffic.
Ex, Laybyes, bus bays, frontage roads, parking lanes etc.,
 Prevents mixing of slow and fast-moving vehicles.
11. Separated Pedestrian and Bicycle Tracks
 Dedicated lanes/tracks for pedestrians and cyclists.
 Enhances safety for vulnerable road users.
12. Roadside Safety Features
 Crash barriers, guardrails, pedestrian railings, and traffic calming devices.
 Minimizes accident severity.

13. Roadway width

The roadway width is the total width of the road used by vehicles and pedestrians,
measured between the outer edges of the shoulders (or drains/embankment slopes if shoulders
are absent). It includes the carriageway + shoulders + median (if any) + footpaths (in
urban areas).

Objectives of Roadway Width

1. To provide adequate space for traffic movement and parking.

 2. To ensure safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
3. To accommodate shoulders, medians, and other road elements.
4. To allow for future expansion or widening.

14. Right of way

The Right of Way (ROW) is the total land width acquired for the construction of the road,
measured between the boundaries of the road property.
It includes the carriageway, shoulders, footpaths, side drains, service roads, and space
for future expansion.

Objectives of Right of Way

1. To provide sufficient space for the roadway (carriageway + shoulders + medians).
2. To accommodate side drains, footpaths, and utilities (electric poles, pipelines).
3. To allow future road widening or expansion.
4. To ensure safety and separation of traffic and pedestrians.
5. To provide space for plantation and landscaping (for aesthetics and noise control).

Traffic Control:
The Traffic control devices are essential tools in the management of roadway behaviour. They
communicate vital information to road users, regulate traffic flow, and enhance overall safety. These
devices guide drivers, inform them of regulations or hazards, and help organize the interaction
between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. When properly placed and maintained, they significantly
reduce confusion, conflict, and crashes. Conversely, missing or poorly implemented traffic control
devices can result in misjudgement, violations, and serious accidents. The major traffic Control
devices are,

 Traffic Signs
 Traffic Signals
 Road markings

1. Traffic Signs:

Traffic signs are one of the most important traffic control devices placed on roads to regulate, warn, and
guide road users. They provide uniform information through symbols, letters, or numbers, helping
drivers take correct decisions while driving.
Types of Traffic Signs
1. Regulatory/Manadatory Signs

 These signs are used to enforce traffic laws and regulations.

 They instruct road users on what they must or must not do.
 Generally circular in shape (except stop & give way).
 Examples: Stop, Speed Limit, No Entry etc.,

2. Warning/Cautionary Signs

 These signs warn drivers about possible dangers or unusual conditions ahead.
 They help the driver take precautionary measures in advance.
 Usually triangular in shape with red borders.
 Examples: Sharp Curve Ahead, School Zone, Narrow Bridge etc.,

3. Informatory/Guide Signs

 These signs provide information and guidance to road users.

 They indicate routes, distances, locations, and available facilities.
 Usually rectangular in shape with blue/green background.
 Examples: Bus Stop, Hospital, Petrol Pump etc.,

2. Traffic Signals:

A traffic signal is a device placed at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, or other locations to
control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians using colored lights (red, yellow, green). It
ensures safe and orderly flow of traffic by assigning right of way.

Types of Traffic Signals

1. Fixed Time Signals

o Operate on pre-set time intervals for each movement.
o Best suited where traffic flow is uniform and predictable.
2. Traffic Actuated Signals
o Work based on detectors/sensors that respond to actual traffic demand.
o More efficient for varying traffic conditions.
o (i) Semi-actuated: detectors only on minor road.
o (ii) Fully actuated: detectors on all approaches.
3. Manual Signals
o Operated manually by a traffic police officer.
o Useful in emergencies, special events, or when signals fail.
4. Flashing Signals
o Flashing Red: Stop and proceed with caution.
o Flashing Yellow: Slow down and proceed carefully.
5. Special Pedestrian Signals
o Provide safe crossing with symbols like “Walk / Don’t Walk” or human
icons.

Advantages of traffic signal

1. Provide orderly movement of traffic at intersections.
2. Reduce the number of accidents, especially right-angle collisions.
3. Assign right of way clearly to vehicles and pedestrians.
 4. Increase capacity of busy intersections by regulating flow.
5. Help pedestrians cross safely with signal phases.
Disadvantages of traffic signal
1. May cause delay to vehicles during low traffic volumes.
2. Increase chances of rear-end collisions if drivers stop suddenly.
3. High installation and maintenance cost.
4. Can lead to traffic diversion into local streets to avoid delays.
5. Require continuous power supply and proper enforcement.

3. Road Markings:

Road markings are lines, patterns, symbols, or words applied on the road surface for guiding and
controlling traffic. They provide information, warning, or regulation to drivers and pedestrians,
ensuring safe and efficient movement.

Types of Road Markings

1. Longitudinal Markings
o Placed along the direction of traffic.
o Guide drivers in lane discipline and overtaking.
o Examples: Lane lines, centre lines, no-overtaking lines.
2. Transverse Markings
o Placed across the road to control vehicle movement.
o Examples: Stop lines, pedestrian (zebra) crossings, yield lines.
3. Object Markings
o Used to highlight obstructions or physical objects on the road.
o Examples: Markings on kerbs, traffic islands, bridge piers.
4. Word and Symbol Markings
o Painted messages or symbols for quick understanding.
o Examples: “STOP”, arrows, speed limits.
5. Edge and Parking Markings
o Define the edge of carriageway and regulate parking spaces.
o Examples: Road edge lines, parking bay markings.

Role of Traffic Control Devices

Traffic control devices play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of road transportation.
They provide uniform communication between road authorities and road users through signs,
signals, markings, and other installations.

Key Roles

1. Regulation of Traffic
o Help enforce traffic laws by controlling vehicle and pedestrian
movement (e.g., stop signs, red lights).
2. Warning of Hazards
o Alert drivers about potential dangers or unusual conditions ahead (e.g.,
curves, schools, railway crossings).
3. Guidance and Information
o Provide directions, destinations, distances, and facilities (e.g., petrol
pumps, hospitals, parking areas).
4. Improving Road Safety
o Reduce conflicts and accidents by ensuring uniform understanding of rules.
 5. Efficient Traffic Flow
o Minimize delays and confusion by channelizing movement at intersections
and busy roads.
6. Support for Pedestrians and Vulnerable Users
o Provide safe crossings, signals, and markings for pedestrians and cyclists.
7. Night and Poor-Visibility Driving Aid
o Reflectors, studs, and illuminated signs guide drivers during night or fog.

Traffic Calming measures:

Traffic calming refers to a set of engineering, management, and regulatory techniques aimed
at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and local
residents. Various traffic calming measures are listed below,

1. Physical Measures

These involve geometric changes to the road that physically force vehicles to reduce speed.

 Speed Humps / Bumps / Speed Tables – Raised portions on road surface that slow
vehicles.
 Rumble Strips – Raised strips creating vibration and noise to alert drivers.
 Chicanes – Alternating curb extensions that force a zigzag movement.
 Road Narrowing / Lane Narrowing – Reduce carriageway width, making drivers
cautious.
 Raised Pedestrian Crossings – Act as both speed control and safe
pedestrian crossing.
 Traffic Islands / Central Refuges – Channelize traffic and reduce speeds
at intersections.
 Roundabouts – Replace signals/intersections, forcing speed reduction and smoother
flow.

2. Visual Measures

These create a psychological effect on drivers to reduce speed.

 Road Markings & Colored Pavements – Highlight pedestrian zones and crossings.
 Optical Speed Bars – Painted bars that appear to narrow spacing, giving illusion of
over speeding.
 Textured Pavements – Special surfacing (e.g., cobblestone, tiles) that makes
drivers slow down.
 Landscaping & Gateway Treatments – Use of trees, arches, or signage to signify
entry to calm zones.

3. Regulatory & Management Measures

These involve traffic rules, policies, and enforcement.

 Speed Limit Enforcement – Signs and speed cameras to control speeding.

 One-Way Streets – Reduce conflicts and cut-through traffic.
  Parking Controls – On-street parking narrows lanes, indirectly slowing vehicles.
 Traffic Signals / Stop Signs – Installed at crossings or busy intersections.
 Restricted Vehicle Entry – Limiting heavy vehicles or through traffic in
residential areas.

Refer below diagrams of traffic calming devices:

Speed hump Rubble strips Chicanes

Road narrowing Raised pedestrian crossing Traffic island and central refuge

Road marking Optical Speed bars Textured pavement

Landscaping & Gateway Treatments

 Role of traffic calming measures:

 Enhance Road Safety

– By reducing vehicle speeds, traffic calming measures decrease the severity and frequency
of accidents.
– Features like speed humps and chicanes force drivers to adopt safer driving behavior.

 Protect Pedestrians and Cyclists

– Raised crossings, zebra crossings, and cycle lanes provide safe movement for vulnerable
users.
– Slower vehicle speeds reduce conflicts with non-motorized road users.

 Discourage Through Traffic

– Measures like road narrowing and one-way restrictions prevent shortcut usage.
– This reduces unnecessary traffic in residential and sensitive areas.

 Improve Living Environment

– Lower speeds reduce noise, vibration, and emissions from vehicles.
– This creates a healthier and more peaceful neighborhood.

 Promote Sustainable Transport

– Calmer roads encourage walking and cycling by making them safer and more attractive.
– They also support public transport by prioritizing buses in urban areas.

 Improve Traffic Discipline

– Road markings, rumble strips, and signage regulate driver behavior.
– They help in maintaining lane discipline, safe overtaking, and proper yielding.

Road Safety Furniture:

Road Safety Furniture, also known as road infrastructure or traffic furniture, includes fixed
objects and devices placed on roads to enhance safety by managing traffic, providing
information, protecting users, and improving visibility. Key examples include traffic cones,
signs, signals, speed breakers, guardrails, delineators, and safety barriers, all designed to
prevent collisions, reduce accident severity, guide traffic, and protect vulnerable road users.

Types of Road Safety Furniture:

 Traffic Management Devices:
 Traffic Cones: Used to temporarily redirect or warn traffic.
 Speed Breakers: Physically limit vehicle speeds in certain areas.
 Traffic Islands: Raised or painted areas that separate traffic conflicts and
control traffic flow.
 Delineators: Posts or markers used to outline hazards and guide drivers.
 Protective Barriers:
 Guardrails/Crash Barriers: Physical barriers designed to absorb impact
and protect vehicles and occupants from collisions with fixed objects or
going off the road.
  Bullnose Barriers: A specific type of crash barrier used to shield roadside
hazards.
 Visibility and Information Aids:
 Signs and Markings: Communicate instructions to drivers, such as speed
limits and pedestrian crossings.
 Street Lighting: Enhances visibility, especially at intersections and
crossings.
 Reflectors: Improve visibility by reflecting light, often used on posts and
barriers.
 Convex Mirrors: Provide wider fields of vision at blind corners.
 Specialized Furniture:
 Kerbs and Islands: Physical structures that define road edges and provide
refuge areas.
Safety Fences: Protect pedestrians and cyclists from hazards.

Hazardous Markers

 Definition: Hazardous markers are special signs or markings placed on the road to
indicate the presence of dangerous locations or hazardous conditions ahead.
 Example: A hazardous marker with black and yellow stripes at the approach of
a sharp curve.

Object Markers

 Definition: Object markers are markings or boards used to highlight physical

obstructions located within or close to the roadway.
 Example: Object marker on a traffic island at an intersection or on a median nose.

Barricades and Channelizers:

Barricades and channelizers are required by controlling and diverting traffic on construction zones and
temporary diversion.

Refer below diagrams of Road safety furniture:

Traffic cones Delineators Guard rails/Crash barriers

 Bullnose barriers Street lighting Reflectors

Convex mirror Kerb Safety fences

Hazardous marker Object Marker

Benefits/Roles of Road Safety Furniture:

 Collision Prevention: Guides traffic and separates conflicting vehicle movements.
 Reduced Accident Severity: Devices like crash cushions minimize the impact of collisions.
 Improved Traffic Flow: Clear signage and markings ensure smoother movement.
 Enhanced Visibility: Lights, reflectors, and reflective materials improve safety at night.
 Protection for Vulnerable Users: Features like pedestrian guardrails protect pedestrians
and cyclists.
Module 3: Questions for Exam

1. Illustrate various Vehicular characteristics (Both static and Dynamic) considered for
Road safety.
2. Illustrate various Human characteristics influencing on road safety.
** The above two questions can be merged and can be asked as a single question mentioning
“traffic characteristics in road safety”.
3. Demonstrate with a neat sketch PIEV theory or Brake reaction time of driver
4. Enumerate various Geometric design elements/Safety elements influencing on road safety.
5. What is Redesigning of Junctions and briefly explain common safety issues at intersection.
6. Explain the role/objectives of redesigning of junctions.
7. Briefly discuss common methods of re designing of junctions.
8. Illustrate various cross sectional improvements in road safety.
9. Explain various Traffic control devices with their types.
10. Explain role of traffic control devices in road safety.
11. Explain various traffic calming measures used in Road safety.
12. Illustrate role of traffic calming measures in road safety.
13. Explain various types of road safety furniture.