Citation

Victor DJ, Vasudevan J. Highw. Res. Bull. (New Delhi) 1989; (40): 39-52.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse 1987 accident data, relating to five bus transport corporations in Tamil Nadu, India, in order to reach reasonable inferences and practical recommendations. These companies had similar characteristics, and operated mainly on inter-city routes between medium-sized cities, including both urban and rural stretches of roads. Data, including tables and curves, are presented for: (1) primary causes of bus accidents; (2) age and experience of drivers; (3) accident prone areas; (4) geometric features of roads; (5) collision patterns; (6) damage to buses; (7) time distribution of accidents.

CONCLUSIONS from the analysis of 1286 bus-related accidents include: (1) 37% of buses and 16% of drivers were involved in accidents, and this is a serious situation requiring detailed examination of possible counter- measures; (2) driver faults were considered to be the primary cause of nearly 37% of the accidents, so that additional training and refresher courses for drivers are indicated; (3) drivers tend to become involved in fewer accidents as their age and experience increases; (4) about 54% of the accidents were in built-up areas and bus stands; (5) the proportions of accidents on straight road stretches, curves and intersections were 81%, 11% and 5%, respectively; (6) over 90% of the accidents were attributed to bad road user behaviour, and the remedies are road safety education and effective driver training.