By Jason Lowe
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is responsible of over 23,000km of South Africa’s national roads network. As the country focuses in on Transport Month in October, the Agency reflects on the multi-faceted approach needed for engineering roads for safety.
Road transportation is vital in promoting any country's economic growth, trade, and social development. However, the safety of roads and transportation systems remains a significant concern, particularly in Africa.
And while Africa is recognised as the least motorised continent in the world, it has the most dangerous roads, with 44% of fatalities on the roads being pedestrians and cyclists. In recent years, the continent has witnessed a rise in road accidents and fatalities, posing a threat to the lives of millions of people.
South Africa is not spared from this increase in accidents and road fatalities. According to the Road Traffic Management Corp (RTMC), 12,545 people died in road accidents in South Africa in 2021. That was 25.8% more than 2020. In 2010, it was just under 14,000.
The need for engineering roads for safety is imperative to establish a robust transportation infrastructure that safeguards human lives, enhances mobility, and contributes to sustainable development.
Road infrastructure planning and design
Road safety requires the participation of everyone who uses the road network, from pedestrians to heavy-duty truckers, but also from the planners, designers and engineers who build the roads. Effective road infrastructure planning and design are fundamental elements in engineering safe roads. Engineering professionals must consider factors such as road geometry, visibility, and traffic flow patterns while designing roads to minimise the risk of accidents, incorporating well-defined lanes, appropriate signage, and safe intersections can enhance road safety.
Several countries – including South Africa, Sweden and the Netherlands – have adopted what is referred to as the "Safe System" which recognises the role of the engineer to:
- Design in anticipation of human error and attempt to limit crash dynamics to mitigate fatalities and severe injury
- Adopt proactive, continuous and comprehensive road network improvement and maintenance programmes
- Seek safety programme solutions throughout the system, rather than just assigning blame
- Aim for zero deaths/serious injuries without any compromise.
The work of SANRAL takes a holistic approach that goes beyond just building safely engineered roads and rests on its four strategic pillars: Roads, Road Safety, Stakeholders and Mobility.
The Road Safety pillar focuses on implementing programmes to improve attitudes and behaviour, extend education and awareness programmes, strengthen law enforcement and regulation partnerships, and implement technology and innovation solutions that influence road user attitudes and behaviour. This pillar focuses on several elements that support road safety.
Overloading
Overloading heavy vehicles is a significant problem on South African roads and takes a toll on road damage and safety risks. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has set up weighbridges on national routes nationwide and works with local law enforcement authorities to impose penalties for overloading.
In 2021/22, there was an approximate increase of 15% in freight traffic due to the easing of COVID-19 lockdown regulations, resulting in improved economic activity. Approximately 7.3 million vehicles were screened using weigh-in-motion devices at weighbridges. A total of 1.73 million vehicles, possibly overloaded, were directed for weighing on the static scale.
Vehicle safety inspections
A total of 10,016 vehicles were tested at vehicle inspection facilities, and 6,541 failed one or more vehicle fitness tests. A total of 642 vehicles were deemed unroadworthy and issued with discontinue notices.
Smart Mobility: Metrics for measuring the impact of the smart mobility ecosystem
It is important to contextualise and redefine smart mobility in South Africa. This strategy achieves this through ongoing stakeholder engagement and needs identification from various role-players within both the private and public sectors. The purpose of the smart mobility strategy is to align interventions to the needs of South Africa and its citizens.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
The Road Safety pillar includes research and data collection on collisions, public awareness and road safety education, improved road incident management systems, development of engineering standards for safe roads and strengthening of partnerships for law enforcement.
ITS leverages advanced technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in road transportation. Integrated systems that employ real-time traffic monitoring, accident detection, and management can significantly reduce response times and improve road incident management. Furthermore, deploying ITS solutions such as dynamic message signs, traffic signal coordination, and smart lighting can enhance road safety, minimise accidents and minimise our impact on non-renewable energy sources.
Road Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance and repair of roads are crucial for ensuring their long-term safety. Poorly maintained roads pose significant risks to drivers and pedestrians alike. Regular inspections and necessary repairs contribute to maintaining road quality and safety. Additionally, using durable materials, especially in vulnerable areas such as bridges and culverts, is essential to prevent structural failures and minimise road accidents.
Safety plans focus on fundamental design flaws and those inherent in existing roads and are proactive in identifying where serious road accidents are likely to occur. Road Safety Audits (RSAs) and Netsafe (road network safety prediction software) offer proactive road infrastructure safety management approaches. SANRAL includes RSAs as a precondition to all road projects at the design and construction stages. The Agency also continuously explores improved road management systems, leading and participating in road safety research and development programmes.
Public Awareness and Education
SANRAL's Horizon 2030 strategy recognises road safety as a national priority, and its road safety education and awareness programmes target a broad range of South Africans, from learners and parents to teachers and community members.
Addressing social cohesion and safer communities, 12 road safety audits were completed in 2022/23, and road safety educational and awareness programmes were conducted at 30 educational sites near our projects. These promote responsible driving behaviour, highlight the risks associated with reckless driving, and educate road users on safety measures that foster a safe road usage culture.
Conclusion
SANRAL’s roads have a net asset value of around R450 billion, making the national road network one of South Africa's most significant assets. This network continues to grow as SANRAL builds new roads and takes over roads previously managed by provincial authorities.
Engineering roads for safety, therefore, is a priority in South Africa (and the continent) to mitigate the rising number of road accidents and enhance transportation systems. South Africa and Africa can make significant strides in improving road safety by adhering to international standards, implementing effective road infrastructure planning, deploying intelligent transportation systems, ensuring regular maintenance, and creating public awareness.
Collaboration between governments, engineering professionals, and local communities is vital for executing these strategies to create a safer road network that protects the lives of millions of people, facilitates economic growth, and fosters sustainable development.
- Jason Lowe is SANRAL Lead on Engineering for Road Safety and Geometric design, as well as Project Manager for its Eastern Region covering KwaZulu Natal and Free State provinces
