IRC Code: SP 88-2019 – Manual on Road Safety Audit

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Road safety is a crucial aspect of transportation infrastructure. The IRC Code: SP 88-2019, titled Manual on Road Safety Audit, provides a structured framework for assessing road safety at different stages of road projects. This manual is designed for road authorities, engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure that roads are safe for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

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What is Road Safety Audit?

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A Road Safety Audit (RSA) is a systematic process where independent experts evaluate road designs, construction projects, and existing roadways to identify potential safety concerns. The goal is to minimize risks and improve overall road safety.

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Key Features of Road Safety Audits:

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• Independent assessment: Conducted by trained auditors not involved in the design.
• Proactive approach: Identifies potential safety issues before accidents occur.
• Comprehensive coverage: Considers all road users and environmental conditions.

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Importance of Road Safety Audits

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According to the IRC Code, road safety audits help in:

• Reducing road crashes and fatalities.
• Identifying hazards at different stages of a project.
• Enhancing road design efficiency.
• Improving cost-effectiveness by addressing safety issues early.
• Ensuring compliance with national and international safety standards.

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Stages of Road Safety Audit

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The IRC: SP 88-2019 outlines five key stages of a road safety audit:

1. Feasibility Stage / Preliminary Design Stage
   • Evaluates route choice, design standards, and alignments.
   • Helps minimize future design modifications and associated costs.
2. Detailed Design Stage
   • Focuses on geometric layout, pavement markings, signals, lighting, and provisions for pedestrians and cyclists.
   • Ensures all safety elements are incorporated before construction begins.
3. Construction Stage
   • Examines temporary traffic management plans, worker safety, and pedestrian provisions.
   • Identifies safety concerns during ongoing construction activities.
4. Pre-Opening Stage
   • Conducts final inspections before the road is opened to traffic.
   • Includes day and night assessments to verify visibility, signage, and overall safety.
5. Safety Audit of Existing Roads
   • Reviews safety features of operational roads.
   • Identifies maintenance needs and potential improvements.

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Benefits of Road Safety Audits

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Conducting RSAs provides multiple advantages, such as:

• Lower accident rates: Helps in reducing the risk and severity of crashes.
• Cost savings: Reduces expenses related to accident response and legal liabilities.
• Enhanced safety for vulnerable users: Improves infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and disabled individuals.
• Better compliance with safety norms: Ensures roads meet IRC and global safety standards.

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Road Safety Audit Process

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The IRC Code outlines a structured 10-step process for conducting road safety audits:

1. Determine the need for an audit.
2. Select a qualified audit team.
3. Gather necessary design reports and drawings.
4. Hold a commencement meeting with stakeholders.
5. Conduct a desktop review of design documents.
6. Perform site inspections (day and night).
7. Prepare a detailed audit report.
8. Conduct a completion meeting to discuss findings.
9. Road authority reviews and responds to recommendations.
10. Implement approved safety improvements.

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Challenges in Implementing Road Safety Audits

Despite its advantages, RSA implementation faces challenges such as:

• Limited awareness: Many road agencies lack knowledge of RSA benefits.
• Resource constraints: Shortage of trained auditors and financial resources.
• Resistance to change: Some project teams resist modifications due to budget or time constraints.

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Conclusion

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The IRC Code: SP 88-2019 serves as a comprehensive guide to ensuring road safety through structured audits. By implementing RSAs at various project stages, authorities can significantly reduce road accidents and enhance infrastructure longevity. Adopting these practices will pave the way for safer roads and a more secure transportation network in India.

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RoadVision AI is revolutionizing roads AI and transforming infrastructure development and maintenance with its innovative solutions in AI in roads. By leveraging Artificial Intelligence, digital twin technology, and advanced computer vision, the platform conducts thorough road safety audits, ensuring the early detection of potholes and other surface issues for timely repairs and improved road conditions. The integration of potholes detection and data-driven insights through AI also enhances traffic surveys, addressing congestion and optimizing road usage. Focused on creating smarter roads, RoadVision AI ensures compliance with IRC Codes, empowering engineers and stakeholders to reduce costs, minimize risks, and elevate road safety and transportation efficiency.