Study and Analysis of Accident Blackspot using Accident Severity Index on NH-46 from Indore-Bhopal

Abstract

Road traffic accidents are a significant public health and transportation challenge in India, with national highways accounting for a considerable proportion of fatal crashes. Identifying accident black spots is essential for implementing effective road safety measures and reducing crash-related fatalities. This study presents the analysis of accident black spots along the NH-46 corridor between Indore and Bhopal using the Accident Severity Index (ASI). The research utilizes historical accident data comprising fatal, grievous injury, minor injury, and property-damage-only crashes to calculate the severity index for different highway locations. Based on the ASI values, accident-prone segments are ranked according to their risk level, enabling the identification of critical black spots that require immediate intervention. The analysis further examines the influence of roadway geometry, traffic volume, intersection design, visibility, roadside features, and driver behaviour on accident severity. Statistical evaluation and spatial interpretation are employed to validate the identified high-risk locations and assess patterns of accident occurrence. The findings indicate that the Accident Severity Index is an effective tool for prioritizing hazardous locations by considering both accident frequency and crash severity rather than frequency alone. The study recommends targeted engineering improvements, enhanced traffic management, speed regulation, better road signage, and regular safety audits to mitigate accident risks. The proposed approach provides transportation planners and highway authorities with a practical framework for prioritizing road safety interventions, improving resource allocation, and enhancing overall traffic safety along the NH-46 corridor between Indore and Bhopal.