India records some of the world’s highest road accident numbers, making preventive action crucial. Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India by Ramani Gopalan explains how systematic audits can reduce crash risks by identifying hazards early. The book highlights problems such as unplanned urban growth, inadequate pedestrian facilities, and mixed traffic that complicate road usage. It also points to gaps in enforcement and limited trained auditors. By presenting real examples and solutions, the author emphasizes adopting global best practices, using modern technology, and integrating safety from the design stage. The book acts as a compelling guide for policymakers and engineers.

Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India — A Deep Dive Into India’s Road Safety Crisis

India’s road network is one of the largest and most rapidly expanding in the world—but this growth comes with a troubling reality. Every year, lakhs of people lose their lives in road accidents, making India one of the most accident-prone countries globally. In this alarming environment, Road Safety Audit (RSA) has emerged as a crucial tool for preventing crashes, identifying hazards, and improving the safety of road infrastructure.

The book “Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India” by Ramani Gopalan, published by Notion Press, provides an in-depth exploration into this need of the hour. Spread across 240 pages, the book explains not only the technical side of RSAs but also the ground realities that shape India’s road safety landscape.

Why Road Safety Audits Matter for India

The concept of Road Safety Audit may appear technical, but its purpose is simple—to detect risks on roads before they cause accidents. From highways to urban streets and expressways, an RSA evaluates the design, construction, and operational conditions to identify safety gaps.

The book highlights how RSAs can significantly reduce crash rates when performed at all stages—planning, design, construction, and post-opening. In a country like India, where roads carry mixed traffic of pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheelers, autos, buses, and trucks, these audits are essential for preventing chaotic and unsafe conditions.

Key Insights the Book Offers
1. Understanding the RSA Process

The author simplifies the entire audit cycle—

Identifying locations for audit

Analysing design documents

Conducting site visits

Spotting safety hazards

Recommending improvements

The book helps readers understand how audits function as a structured, systematic approach to making roads safer.

2. Unique Challenges in the Indian Context

India’s road safety issues are unlike any other country. The book highlights challenges such as:

Mixed traffic without clear segregation

Rapid urbanization leading to poor road planning

Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure

Encroachments and roadside activities

Inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws

Infrastructure gaps in rural and semi-urban areas

These challenges make RSAs not just important but indispensable.

3. Institutional & Policy Barriers

Despite having IRC guidelines and national standards, India struggles with:

Limited trained RSA professionals

Lack of coordination among agencies

Budget constraints

Poor implementation of safety recommendations

Policy gaps in monitoring and enforcement

The book provides a realistic view of why safety audits do not always achieve the intended outcomes.

4. Common Safety Deficiencies on Indian Roads

Through case studies and practical examples, the author shows frequent safety issues such as:

Missing signboards

Sharp curves without warning

Unsafe pedestrian crossings

Inadequate lighting

Faulty median openings

Poor road markings

Hazardous intersections

These real-world observations help readers understand the root causes of frequent crashes.

5. Lessons from Global Best Practices

The book compares Indian RSA practices with international standards. It emphasizes:

Strengthening road design processes

Training RSA teams

Using advanced technology like drones, speed scanners, and 3D modelling

Regular post-opening road audits

Community involvement in safety improvements

Recommendations to Improve Road Safety in India

The book concludes with actionable suggestions:

Building a strong RSA ecosystem with skilled professionals

Mandatory audits for all major road projects

Integrating safety in the early design stages

Promoting collaboration among engineers, planners, and enforcement authorities

Using AI-based monitoring tools for real-time risk detection

Ensuring public awareness on road usage rules

These steps, if implemented, could drastically reduce the burden of road crashes.

Book Specifications (For Reference)

Title: Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India

Author: Ramani Gopalan

Publisher: Notion Press

Publication Date: 30 October 2025

ISBN-13: 979-8900891606

Language: English

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 12.7 × 1.4 × 20.32 cm

Country of Origin: India

ASIN: B0FYC8JF9J

Generic Name: Books

Best Sellers Rank: #151,819 in Books

Where to Buy the Book

You can purchase it from Amazon India using this link:
👉 Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India – Buy Now
https://amzn.in/d/8KRCOxv