Road Safety Audit in Surkhet : Introduction, Importance & Experience

A Road Safety Audit is a scientific and innovative method used to assess roads and enhance road safety standards

Prepared By: Kamala Acharya
Joint Treasurer Nepal Automobiles’ Association

Preamble

In 2021, approximately 1.19 million people died in traffic accidents worldwide. Notably, the risk of fatality in low-income countries is three times higher than in high-income countries, even though these nations account for less than 1% of the world’s motor vehicles (WHO, 2023).

In Nepal alone, over 23,000 lives have been lost due to road crashes in the past decade (data from Nepal Traffic police, but WHO claims the higher number of fatalities), with the number of accidents and fatalities rising each year. In response to this alarming trend, Nepal recently updated its National Road Safety Action Plan (2013-2020) for 2021-2030. The plan outlines various strategies, including multimodal transport and land-use planning, safer road infrastructure, vehicle safety, and safer road use. It also emphasizes the importance of post-crash responses to mitigate road trauma and provides a comprehensive framework to implement and strengthen Safe Systems.

The initiatives within Road Safety Pillar 2, which focus specifically on safer road infrastructure, are vital for reducing crash-related injuries when combined with efforts from the other four pillars. Pillar 2 highlights the importance of conducting road safety audits. A road safety audit is a formal, detailed examination of a road project carried out by an independent and qualified team of auditors, resulting in a report that identifies potential safety concerns.

Recently, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport of Nepal released an updated version of the Road Safety Audit Manual-1997, now titled the “Road Safety Audit Manual for Nepal 2079”. This revised manual places significant emphasis on the recommendations from the Global Plan for Action (2021-2023), advocating for roads to be classified based on their primary functions. Specific road safety standards are also to be established for each road classification. The manual also promotes the adoption of the Safe System approach, integrating enhancements and additions developed since the audit process began in 1997.

Although Nepal has had a Road Safety Audit Manual since 1997, the practice of conducting road safety audits has not met expectations. Only a small percentage of roads have undergone safety audits, falling far short of what is needed. While donor-funded projects have prioritized road safety audits, the government has not given them the same level of importance in its road projects. Although some audits have been conducted by federal institutions in recent years, the implementation of recommendations remains a concern. It is crucial to prioritize road safety audits across all three tiers of government (federal, provincial, and local) to promote safer road infrastructure.

Road Safety Audit:

A Road Safety Audit is a scientific and innovative method used to assess roads and enhance road safety standards. It forms the basis for improving overall road safety. It involves comprehensively evaluating road designs, layout, traffic control devices, and other elements to identify and address safety concerns.

By engaging independent and competent experts or organizations, road safety audits recommend corrective action to improve road conditions, address road users’ behavior, and mitigate causes of road crashes.

Importance:

A Road Safety Audit measures the safety performance of an existing or future road or intersection to reduce potential accidents.

To reduce the increasing issues of road safety worldwide road safety audits have become necessary and inevitable for safe and sustainable roads.

In Nepal Road safety audits are rarely conducted, and there is inadequate follow-up on improvement measures. Furthermore, our government and professional agencies lack legal provisions for implementing these audits.

Road safety audits have become mandatory for infrastructure projects funded by donor agencies in recent times. It is essential to assess whether the road safety auditing process has demonstrated a positive impact on the implementation of effective safety measures on roads.

International Road Federation (IRF), International Road Assessment Program (iRAP), Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), FIA Foundation, and Global Alliance of NGOs are advocating for safer and sustainable mobility as well as Road Safety Audit globally. Nepal Automobile Association is a country member of the above-mentioned federations and has lobbied for road safety audits in Nepal for a long time.

In a historic milestone for Nepal, the Birendranagar Municipality has conducted its first-ever road safety audit in coordination with the NASA Foundation and Safe Travel Nepal along with technical and financial assistance from Nepal Automobiles’ Association. This marks a significant achievement as it represents one of the initial road safety initiatives led by a local government in the country.

Here we present some details about the previously conducted road safety audit.

International Practice in Road Safety Audit:

The International Practice of Road Safety Audit refers to a systematic, independent, and comprehensive process conducted by qualified experts to assess the safety performance of road or traffic projects at various stages of their lifecycle. The primary aim is to identify potential safety issues and recommend measures to mitigate them, enhancing overall road safety. This practice encompasses consistent methodologies, stages of auditing qualification of auditors, and implementation of findings across different countries, adapting to local conditions while adhering to globally recognized standards and best practices.

Australia: Follows a comprehensive approach with guidelines provided by Austroads. They emphasize RSAs at multiple stages of the project lifecycle.

United Kingdom: The UK’s Highways England has specific requirements for RSA’s on the trunk road network. They have detailed procedures and qualification requirements for auditors.

United States: The Federal Highway Administration promotes RSAs as a part of its road safety initiatives, with guidance on conducting audits for various types of projects.

European Union: The EU mandates RSAs for all major road projects receiving EU funding, following directives to enhance road safety across member states.

Asia: Countries like Japan and Malaysia have adopted RSA practices often incorporating international standards and adapting them to local conditions.

How is a road safety audit conducted ?

Generally road safety audit is conducted in the following steps:
Step 1: Identify a project or existing road to be audited
Step 2: Select Road Safety Audit Team
Step 3: Conduct a pre-audit meeting to review project information.
Step 5: Conduct audit analysis and prepare a report of findings
Step 6: Present audit findings to project owner/Design Team

Objectives of Road Safety Audit in Surkhet:
• Identify Surkhet’s road safety audit.
• Identify the probable risks of the road
• Find out the shortcomings in road safety infrastructures and suggest them
• Collection of road crash data
• Analysis of road status
• Conduct disciplinary behavior among road users
• Find out the necessary measures for road safety
• Invest in road safety measures
• Formation of a civilized and safe society

Road Safety Audit in Surkhet:

Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province is a city of valley with a heavy density of vehicles. Conducting road safety audits in Surkhet assists in the reformation and management of the Karnali Highway, making responsible and aware of all the respective rural municipalities in this regard. Surkhet Valley has been selected for the road safety auditing process to make the involvement of both the Pradesh and federal government and their accountability for the project.

Conducting a road safety audit in Surkhet is a crucial step towards enhancing safety and efficiency on the Karnali Highway and throughout the city. Surkhet’s high vehicle density presents significant challenges that must be addressed through planning and coordinated efforts. The audit in Surkhet Valley will involve various stakeholders, including the provincial and federal governments, to ensure their active involvement and accountability in the project. By conducting this audit, we aim to identify and address key safety issues on the Karnali Highway implement necessary reforms, and ultimately enhance road safety for all users.

our enthusiasm for launching a road safety audit in Surkhet was greatly boosted when the mayor himself showed his strong interest in implementing and overseeing this project. Furthermore, the tireless efforts of resident Er, Hemanta Tiwari, Mr Shubas Bhattarai, and Mr. Sanjay Luitel have been instrumental in ensuring the project’s successful operation over an extended period. The dedication is truly commendable and contributes significantly to the community’s well-being and safety.

Finance and human resources mobilization for auditing:

The road safety audit in Surkhet was conducted with the support of the Road Safety Grant provided by the FIA to the Nepal Automobiles’ Association where NASA Foundation and Safe Travel Nepal were playing active roles in the managerial function.

Road Safety Audit in Surkhet conducted under the topic Improvement of Roads through Road Safety Audit, implemented in Birendranagar Municipality Surkhet has been handed over to the Mayor of Birendranagar.

The information about the project was declared last year by the FIA World Council member Mr. Govinda Bhattarai during one of the programs held in Surkhet.

Here we present some details about the previously conducted road safety audit.

Areas covered for road safety audit:

A safety audit was conducted out of 75:5 km of road in Surkhet. Among these, the status of the junction has primarily been focused on.

# Bangosimal -Chinchu, 32km,
# Bus Park Gurung Chowk Road 2.5km,
# Sahid Park Bhureli Road 4.5km,
# Surkhet Dailekh Road 15km,
# Mangalgadi Chowk- Birendra Chowk, Aankha Hospital Chowk – Kalinchowk, Nebare school- Pipeera road 5.8km,
# Airport Chowk- Airport- Krishna Mandir – kalinchowk road- 1.6km,
# Buspark- university- Punte chowk- Itraamkhola Road 4km,
# Airport Chowk- Sano Surkhet University Road 7.9km,
# Nagarpalika Road 0.9km,
# Khajura Chowk, Khajura School- ward office- Children Paradise- Simtaali Road 1.4km,
# Mangalgadi- Laatikoili- Shiva Mandir Road 2.5km,

75 kilometers length of roads was selected for a comprehensive road safety audit. The audit team, in collaboration with key engineers—Mr. Narayan Poudel from the Surkhet Road Division, Mr. Surya Shahi from Karnali Province, and Er. Ishwori Dhakal from the Municipality—conducted thorough on-site evaluations. The team meticulously analyzed various aspects of the road infrastructure, including signage, road markings, intersections, and pedestrian crossings, to identify potential hazards and areas needing improvement.

The roads and their specific characteristics were digitally mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This allowed for a detailed assessment of the existing safety features and infrastructure. Based on the current conditions and the geographical factors, the team proposed potential safety measures tailored to the needs of different road users.

Capacity Building Workshop and Handover Program:

Following the audit, a detailed draft report was prepared, incorporating the findings and analysis from the on-site evaluations. This report, which included specific recommendations for safety enhancements, was submitted for review and feedback. The final road safety audit report was presented to a large group, where feedback from attendees was carefully addressed. The presentation included representatives from various ward chairpersons, municipal officials, the mayor, and delegates from provincial and central government organizations related to transportation, as well as representatives from the university. After incorporating the feedback, the report was officially handed over to the municipality, marking a significant milestone in the project.

Similarly, to support traffic police operations, a radar gun, along with two breathalyzer sets, five baton lights, and twenty safety jackets, was handed over to the Provincial Traffic Police Karnali and District Traffic Police Surkhet. The handover was conducted by the Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, further equipping the police with essential tools to enhance road safety enforcement in the region.

Nepal Automobiles’ Association, SSTN, and the NASA Foundation jointly organized a one-day capacity-building workshop on road safety in Birendranagar Municipality, Surkhet. Transport Engineer Sanjay Luitel presented the road safety audit report handed to the municipality, Engineer Karn Singh Khatri discussed the problems, challenges, and solutions of road safety, Er. Hemant Tiwari, Chairman of SSTN presented on Road Safety Audit, Transport Engineer Dilman Singh Basnyat, Treasurer of SSTN presented on Road Safety Awareness and Subas Bhattarai, Project Coordinator gave a presentation about road safety-related activities in Nepal, while Inspector Bhupendra Shahi of Province Traffic Police Office also gave his opinion and view on current road safety issues faced by the Traffic Police. Chief of Birendranagar Municipality Mohan Maya Dhakal was the chief guest in the program and 54 people participated including Karnali Automobiles’ Association President Ganesh Shahi, representatives from Road Division Surkhet, Mid-Western University, District Traffic Police Office and Birendranagar Municipality.

Intervention Works

In total, 97 road sign boards (speed limit, curve signs, pedestrian crossing signs, and zebra crossing signs) were installed to enhance the safety of various sections of roads in Birendranagar Municipality. 23 Name Plate were installed at junctions, bridges, and starting points of road segments supporting the pedestrians and drivers for navigation. 167 delineated posts were installed to provide a barrier on the edge of the road. Similarly, 25 convex mirrors were installed at sharp turns and bends. In total 373.5 sq.m. of road marking was done for 17 zebra crossings, stop line, central line, and edge marking at different pedestrian crossing points.

Conclusion:

Our understanding of road safety and sustainable transport has evolved beyond viewing them merely as technical challenges. These issues are intricately linked to broader subjects such as economic growth, development, consumer behavior, and human rights.

Maintaining a safe road network in Nepal which spans 1 lakh kilometres, involves a multifaceted approach that includes strategic planning, effective execution, and continuous monitoring.

The majority of road safety forums and related sectors focus on raising safety awareness programs instead of enforcing the rules and regulations emphasizing engineering, enforcement, and education. Engineering is the prime factor in road safety audits. Thus we believe the road safety audit conducted in Surkhet will be fruitful in the overall development, improvement, and enhancement of road infrastructure, safety standards, and road users’ behavior.

# This article is based on the Road Safety Audit Report provided by Subas Bhattarai, Er. Sanjay Luitel, Er. Hemanta Tiwari and Er. Kiran Dhital.