Tamil Nadu   

Study probes reasons behind increase in road accidents

CHENNAI: With the city’s vehicular traffic on the rise, the Traffic Laboratory Highway Research Station, the research wing of the Highways Department, has undertaken a study to look at the causes behind the increasing number of road accidents.

According to figures provided by the police, there were 1,110 fatal accidents in Chennai in 2007.

“Around one third of all accidents in the city are fatal,” says S. Sathish, assistant director, Traffic Laboratory Highway Research Station. “Field observation for the Traffic Accident Prevention Study was conducted at six points on ECR and NH 45. The latest round, conducted in collaboration with the police, ended on Friday after three days of continuous monitoring.”

The observations, which included a traffic volume count and a speed study, will then be used to analyse vehicular behaviour and the reasons for accidents.

The station will collate this information and submit a report with detailed analyses and recommendations.

“The report will identify accident-prone spots in the city as well as the contributing factors such as speed, pedestrian movement and timing. We will then attempt to identify the causes and put forward solutions,” Mr. Sathish said.

The survey uses a technology called geographic information system, a software which aids a detailed analysis of the causes and effects, said Mr. Sathish.

He added that the two areas chosen were “characteristically different.”

“On NH 45, drivers are more purposeful, but the vehicular volume and consequent traffic can result in accidents.

Two-wheelers and pedestrians can be particularly vulnerable in such situations.

On ECR, speed is the main problem, along with driver negligence and sudden crossing by cattle and pedestrians, he said.

According to Mr. Sathish, the next round of observations are due in February and the final report will be published in April.

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