A Methodological Approach for the Safety Evaluation of Minor Two-Lane Rural Roads

A methodological approach for the safety evaluation of two lane rural roads which use both analytical procedures referring to alignment design consistency models and the "Safety review" process is suggested. Alignment features and design consistency related to road safety conditions can be effectively evaluated using both Accident Prediction Models and "Safety Criteria" defining three different levels of judgment (good, fair, poor). The model of IHSDM was adapted to the Italian accident and road design characteristics. The Safety Criteria allow to evaluate three different levels of inconsistencies in the horizontal alignment. It is useful to integrate the results of the analyses carried out from the theoretical-experimental models with those deriving from the judgments collected on inspected sites (the Safety Reviews). The low cost of the procedure and his capability in addressing the safety problems not identified in the previous steps highlight the effectiveness of the Safety Inspection method as part of the safety evaluation process on existing roads. The methodological framework presented in the paper, consisting of safety inspections carried out as support of the analyses conducted through the theoretical-experimental models, will be applied in Italy as part of the “IASP” project financed by European Commission.