India’s expanding road network also faces a severe safety crisis, with lakhs of lives lost annually to accidents. In this context, Road Safety Audits (RSAs) play a critical role in detecting risks before they turn into tragedies. The book “Road Safety Audit: Challenges in India” by Ramani Gopalan offers a clear explanation of how RSAs work and why they are essential for Indian roads. It highlights issues like mixed traffic, poor planning, weak enforcement, and infrastructure gaps. Through practical insights and global comparisons, the book stresses the need for trained professionals, stronger policies, and technology-driven solutions to make roads safer.
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
