Accident Analysis and Identification of Black Spots on Road Section from Sanga to Dhulikhel in Araniko Highway

Abstract

Road accidents are major causes of injuries and fatalities worldwide and a significant public health concern. This paper includes a comprehensive analysis of road accidents on the road section from Sanga to Dhulikhel of Kavrepalanchwok district to identify trends of accidents, causes contributing to accidents and identifying the accident black spots and ranking accident black spots based on the Weighted Severity Index and Accident Severity Index. The study uses a data-driven approach using accident data obtained from the district police office, statistical analysis and weighted Severity Index and Accident Severity Index to observe road accident patterns. This study focuses on accident analysis to find out the spatial distribution of accidents, highlight accident peak times, accident black spots and their ranking. The various factors contributing to road accidents related to driver behaviour, vehicle condition, pedestrian behaviour, and environmental condition were explored and statistical analysis are done to determine accident likelihood and severity which are very helpful to identify accident-prone areas. There is a noteworthy pattern in the accident records in the past four fiscal years. Overall, fatal accidents have decreased over the years but serious accidents have increased. The number of minor incidents has also shown some variation. Males had more accidents than females. It is clear that the male percentage significantly outnumber the female comprising 81.9%, while females make up only 10.1%. It was observed that the 26 to 56 age group is a more vulnerable. The relatively low percentages of accidents occurred during morning and late evening. The accident frequency significantly rises from the late morning through the early afternoon with peak frequency in the late afternoon. It was observed that light vehicles account for 25%, tipper and other vehicles account for 19%, two wheeler accounts for 20% and vehicle and pedestrian accounts for 36% of the total accidents recorded.  This study suggests evidence-based recommendations for accident prevention, infrastructure improvement, public awareness programs and law enforcement strategies to reduce road accidents.