Conceptual Design Guidelines for Highways Safety in Thailand to Balance Mobility and Community Way of Life

Abstract

Over a decade ago. The development of highways in Thailand affects the lives of communities living on both sides of the road or impacts on travelling to and from between communities or residential villages on each side, i.e. on main highways that have been expanded to increase traffic efficiency, focusing on providing fast-moving vehicles. As a result, access to the area is more difficult. Due to the construction of the middle island to ensure the safety of drivers and the traffic stream that flows continuously at high speed is an obstacle to the residents on both sides of the road is not convenient. Therefore, the design or development a highway that balances mobility and accessibility, So it's a challenge nowadays. Highway design that fits in with the community need to reach the need understand the way of the community and continuous service for drivers of vehicles to use speed freely (Free Flow Speed on Ideal Condition). By maintaining safety standards, It is a highway that is easy to use in all seasons. According to the concept and design method (Conceptual Design), The 5 elements i.e. Mobility, Accessibility, Serviceable under flood situation, Safe highways and Simple driving and riding should be applied on design, known as MASSS Highways.