Uso del modelo iRAP para la evaluación de seguridad vial y propuesta de mejoras de bajo costo en el tramo Valladolid-Palanda (Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador)

Abstract

Abstract:Rural roads tend to have high levels of accident proneness due to factors such as steep slopes, heavy traffic, and pavement deterioration. To assess the safety of these roads, the methodology proposed by the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) has been considered. This methodology involves analyzing each user category, including vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, using star ratings ranging from 1 (representing higher danger) to 5 (representing higher safety). Consequently, the main objective is to evaluate the road safety on the sections of Valladolid-Palanda-Agua Dulce road and propose cost-effective safety improvements. To accomplish this, the current conditions of the area were investigated both on-site and online. Subsequently, the current condition was evaluated, and road countermeasures were applied to enhance its rating. Based on the accidents that occurred in the study area and the proposed countermeasures, a budget estimate and the level of risk reduction were determined. The most significant variable for improving the road condition was found to be the installation of metal guardrails on the sides of curves.