We collect and analyze data on road accidents and fatalities to identify the root causes of accidents and develop strategies to address them.

Understanding Road Usage Behavior: A Study on NH-16 Stretches from Balasore to Kharagpur

FPRA, in collaboration with Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL & FS), conducted a comprehensive study on the 119 stretches of NH-16 from Balasore to Kharagpur. The study aimed to analyze the existing road usage behavior of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. To achieve the study’s objectives, a quantitative data analysis methodology was employed. Separate presentations were made for each category of respondents, namely pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, as the questions and response options varied. Additionally, the study identified crucial indicators and training needs assessment applicable to all respondents. Based on the baseline study, the following recommendations are suggested for the project implementation framework:

1. Increase awareness on road safety rules, particularly the correct side for pedestrians to walk on, through educational programs.
2. Promote discussions among family members to address road safety issues and provide counseling where needed.
3. Utilize audio-visual presentations for effective communication and understanding among semi-literate road users.
4. Collaborate with local authorities to enforce road safety rules through regular inspections.
5. Sensitize District Transport Authorities to make the process of obtaining a driving license more user-friendly.
6. Encourage vendors to sell only ISI-marked helmets and discourage the use of cheap quality helmets through social marketing.
7. Ensure efficient functioning of Emergency First Responders (EFRs) and provide training to administer first aid promptly.
8. Equip existing ambulances with necessary lifesaving drugs and enhance staff skills for quality healthcare services.
9. Foster coordination among multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, hospitals, police stations, and road safety committees.
10. Identify and rectify road design flaws at accident-prone locations with the assistance of experts.
11. Emphasize awareness generation, community mobilization, training, and capacity building within the project area.
12. Collaborate with District Collectors to establish and enforce appropriate speed limits on designated roads.

This baseline study not only provided valuable insights into road user behavior but also serves as a benchmark for evaluating project outcomes and drawing lessons learned. It lays the foundation for future road safety initiatives and interventions in the region. On the basis of this study, FPRA launched a pilot initiative called “My Life in My Hands”.

Road Safety Assessment on SH-12: Identifying Challenges and Proposing Effective Solutions

The study conducted on SH-12 from Cuttack to Paradeep aimed to assess the vulnerable situation of the highway and provide recommendations for precautionary measures to prevent accidents. The findings revealed several major factors contributing to the risks on the highway:

1. Ten Accident Black Spots were identified along the 82-kilometer stretch, highlighting areas with a high incidence of accidents.
2. Encroachment of the highway by vegetable vendors posed a significant challenge, obstructing the road and impacting traffic flow.
3. Roadside parking was observed to be a common occurrence, further complicating the road conditions and increasing the risk of accidents.
4. Two-wheeler riders were identified as a particularly vulnerable group, accounting for approximately 46% of total fatalities on the highway.
5. The usage of helmets among riders was found to be rare, exposing them to a higher risk of severe head injuries.
6. Pedestrian deaths constituted a significant portion, accounting for around 41% of total fatalities on the highway.
7. The merging of village roads directly with the highway added to the complexity of the road network, requiring special attention to ensure safe intersections.

Based on these findings, it is evident that immediate actions and precautionary measures need to be implemented to address the identified issues and improve the safety of SH-12 for all road users. The issues have been brought to the attention of the RTA and STA for effective solutions.