Flyovers: Vulnerable Pedestrians
1. Seized with the problem of mounting number of accidents and deaths on the roads, it was decided by CAPRG to study the causes for accidents on Delhi roads. Reasons put forward by experts and academicians are well known, viz Driver related, User related, Vehicle related, Environment related, Road related, and Traffic related. However, when the behavioural patterns of road users were studied it was noted that many actions of road users, which could result in accidents, were due to factors beyond their control. It was also noted that behaviour of road users was greatly dependent upon road conditions, signage, footpaths, pedestrians’ crossings, presence, or absence of subways and footbridges.
2. Study indicates that lacunae in the design and maintenance of roads and pedestrian facilities are major factors leading to accident situations. (A copy of the study is attached).
a) Road sections are mainly designed to cater to easing the problems faced by fast moving traffic; problems faced by Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) are not adequately addressed at the planning and design stages. This bias needs to change.
b) Road sections are designed and constructed by governmental agencies and contractors, without adequate consultations with all stakeholders. This area can and should be remedied immediately.
c) Safety and security of all road users is of equal importance.
d) Continued Maintenance of roads, signage, and pedestrian related utilities is as important as the initial planning and execution of a project.
e) Assessments of shift in road usage patterns must be carried out periodically, as they impinge upon safety of all road users.
