Traffic safety and vulnerable road users – A case study in Hyderabad

Vulnerable Road Users (VRU) refers to individuals who are most at risk in traffic. This category mainly includes pedestrians and two-wheelers who lack the protection of an outside shield and face a greater risk of injury in any collision with a vehicle. Consequently, they are in dire need of protection against such collisions. According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Road Safety, Vulnerable Road Users account for 47% of fatalities in India. This group encompasses motorized two-wheelers and three-wheelers (Auto Rickshaws). Over the past few decades, road "improvement" schemes have become common in urban areas. However, "improvement" often translates to road widening, raising concerns about the safety of such projects. Are they taking into account the needs of vulnerable road users? Furthermore, where have the footpaths gone that used to be on both sides of the road? It's concerning that public buildings such as schools, cinemas, and shopping malls, which attract many pedestrians, have direct access to main roads without any drop-off areas. Additionally, there are no speed-calming measures in place. Recent modifications in many of the city's junctions removed four-arm intersections, diverting traffic through U-turns. While this may work well for vehicular traffic, what about pedestrians? When the U-turn is located close to the junction, traffic from the approaching road has to weave through 3 or 4-lane traffic to reach the U-turn facility. How safe are these junctions when there is insufficient weaving distance? This paper focuses on the traffic safety challenges faced by pedestrians, considered vulnerable road users, in the Indian context. Specifically, it discusses recent developments in Hyderabad aimed at improving pedestrian safety, laws applicable to pedestrians, issues with enforcement, and recommendations based on IRC guidelines.