Road Safety Assessment Using iRAP Star Ratings for Schools in Urban, Suburban, and Rural Areas in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

In Thailand, road traffic fatalities are unacceptably high particularly in the student or teenage group. This is an important problem that must be solved urgently. Road segments in front of schools and roads surrounding the school are often hazardous locations for students. Therefore, the assessment of road safety for schools is necessary to identify risk areas that can lead to proper road safety improvements. This research aimed to apply International Road Assessment Program (iRAP) to the road network around the schools (iRAP for Schools). The study assessed the road safety levels among different road user groups including drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians for the schools in three different areas: schools in urban area, schools in suburban area, and schools in rural area. The study selected schools in Chiang Mai Province as case studies. The results of this study assessed the risk scores and star ratings according to International Road Assessment Program (iRAP Star Rating). The risk factors associated with the traffic conditions and road physical characteristics that affect the safety level of road network surrounding schools in each area were different. Therefore, to enhance road safety for schools with a rating of 3 stars or more according to the Sustainable Development Goals, various measures to improve road safety for schools in different areas must be properly selected based on contributing risk factors.