Hyderabad: A study published in a reputed international journal “SafetyScience” with the title “A registry-based investigation of road traffic fatality risk factors using police data: A case study of Hyderabad, India” carried out by Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad campus has identified the time period from 9pm to 3am as the most dangerous time to drive in Hyderabad.
The conclusion was based on the movement of heavy motor vehicles. The movement of heavy vehicles is regarded as the important factor influencing fatal traffic crashes in Hyderabad.
After analyzing the crash data accessed from Hyderabad police, researchers also classified the risk factors associated with fatal road traffic injuries in six segments.
The study suggested various measures including provision of a safe pedestrian crossing facility at intersections, and adequate illumination of the roadway stretches during night among others. The Times of India reported.
The study was conducted after collecting data from 60 police stations, which reported highest number of crashes across Hyderabad for the period 2015 to 2019. The researchers collected, a comprehensive database, with road traffic injury information such as the date, time, and location of the crash, number of injuries and fatalities and the details of the vehicles.
However, data of the last couple of years has not been taken as it would not give a clear and right picture due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Based on the accidents and injuries the risk factors are classified into six types — very high-risk, high-risk, moderate risk, low-risk, very low-risk and extremely low-risk.
The study observed that the period from 9.00 pm to 3.00 am has the significant numbers of fatal crashes across Hyderabad.
The study suggested adequate illumination of the roadway stretches during the night, installation of active speed calming measures, and use of retro-reflective pavement markers as per guidelines.
The research was sponsored by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology.
