Risk assessment of heterogeneous traffic

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to establish the risk factors that are a threat to the user‘s safety when moving in a heterogeneous traffic environment in New Delhi. India has been ranked 3rd in terms of traffic congestion and accidents after U.S. and Japan. The study area of New Delhi has been taken since it is ranked as 1st when it comes to fatal accidents. The key objectives of this thesis are: 1. To identify risk parameters associated with heterogeneity, 2. To study traffic conditions in the selected area, 3. To conduct public surveys for establishing the identified factors of risk assessment from users‘ perception. Various research papers have been reviewed to understand the risk parameters that are involved in traffic safety when moving in a heterogeneous traffic environment. The literature review suggests that vehicle size, in-vehicle technologies, intrinsic factors such as aggression, anxiety observed in drivers, extrinsic factors such as safety training of drivers, use of helmets and safety equipment, alcohol consumption and increased time pressure, Interaction with other road users which includes driver's attitude, Road and infrastructure conditions and weather are the factors that result in accidents and compromise the safety of the users. It is clearly stated that two-wheelers and four-wheelers are found to be the most affected by crashes possibly due to road condition, traffic markings, roadside installation, poor visibility, etc. The data collected for the research is both primary and secondary data, primary being various surveys. The traffic volume count survey and the speed and delay survey was done in both peak and non-peak hour and the findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of traffic and the causes for delay/congestion. The total number of accidents and injuries has also been recorded in the study area through tools such as RLVD and OSVD cameras. Public surveys have also been conducted to establish the factors that are the main cause of threat to the users according to their perspective. Based on the analysis for the same, results have been shared which can be used for further recommendations/ safety planning by the competent authorities.