The impact of road rehabilitation on the safety of pedestrians in Gulu municipality (CBD).
Abstract
The huge financial and societal costs associated with pedestrian crashes and the fact that it is frequent in Gulu Municipality despite road rehabilitation that took place, revealed the need for further research in the field of pedestrian safety. This research aims to assess the quantitative and qualitative impact of road rehabilitation on the safety of pedestrians in Gulu Municipality (CBD).
This specific research objectives for study included; examining out all the causes and trend of pedestrian crashes, assessing the effectiveness of pedestrian safety facilities in improving pedestrian safety and recommending improvements needed and other new pedestrian safety measures for sustainable pedestrian activities.
Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using techniques like mapping and surveys, interview questions/questionnaire, participatory Observation, measurements and photographic interpretation, Cross-sectional analysis. In addition, detailed analysis and interpretation of the data collected was performed using Microsoft excel, GIS, Archicad software in order to better understand the impact of impact of road rehabilitation on the safety of pedestrians.
The study data and analysis led to several findings such as that lack of pedestrian crossing facilities at intersections and ineffective pedestrian facilities as the major cause of pedestrian crashes, drivers and pedestrians distraction for instance use of mobile phones, Pedestrians crashes has however, reduced by 30% after road rehabilitation.
Pedestrian activities in Gulu Municipality are growing at a faster rate and so does pedestrian crashes. There are existing gaps in the pedestrian activities and the poor pedestrian safety standards in Gulu. The pedestrians in in the area are still unsafe despite the road rehabilitation that has taken place due to only 30% pedestrian crash reduction after the rehabilitation.
Placement of pedestrian crossing facilities like zebra crossing barked by humps, road signs indicating pedestrian crossings, center Refuge Island on most of the busy roads, proper maintenance of the walkways were recommended for pedestrian safety.
However, further research can be made on the strengths and weaknesses of various road safety facilities and measures and safety of different types road junctions.