Abstract
Considering the importance of road safety, as discussed in the agenda of World Health Organization-2030; this study folds motorization and under-reporting of road accidents in Punjab, Pakistan. The objectives of the study are selected as 1) identifying the motorization in Punjab; 2) synthesizing the vehicles dominance by preparing spatial maps on the basis of their types; 3) identifying the evidence of under-reporting of road accidents. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of different vehicles were estimated, and spatial maps were generated using ArcGIS to demonstrate the spatial distribution of vehicles (CAGR). Results indicated the potential impact of geographical locations on the CAGR of vehicles. The CAGR of registered vehicles was recorded as: 2.73% to 9.93% for Cars; 12.63% to 18.94% for Motorcycles; 9.35% to 24.1% for Rickshaws; 0.74% to 7.29% for Trucks and 5.25% to 14.42% for Vans. On the other hand, the CAGR of road length varied from 0.35% to 12.03% that illustrated the alarming situation of increased motorization. Sluggish infrastructural development and the huge recorded difference in CAGR can be categorized as the possible causes of immense road accidents. By comparing reported road accidents with Punjab Emergency Service (PES) estimations; the average rate of annual under-reported road accidents was found as 62.6% that also showed variations, according to different administrative regions of the Punjab province. Study findings suggests that the development of effective transportation policy, focusing road safety may help Pakistan to curtail road accidents and induce free-flow of traffic.
Highlights
Immense urbanization, as well as steady economic development have heightened the motorization growth [1]
This study examined the statistical data on road accidents and found that the estimated fatalities were only 60% of the whole in most of the countries
In order to explain the dominancy of each vehicle type over the spatial area, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each type of vehicle and its spatial representation was considered as the best option
Summary
As well as steady economic development have heightened the motorization growth [1]. The term motorization reflects the excess of vehicular ownership and usage [2]. The rapid motorization results in traffic safety issues besides the environmental pollution [3]. In Asian countries, where the developing economies are experiencing hasty population growth and lack of funds for transportation infrastructure development, motorization can be regarded as a major issue, as discussed by transport planners [4]. Increasing motorization trend together with improper traffic management system always results in fatal accidents, injuries, and damages to properties [5]. Road accidents are continuously increasing in developing countries, because of the high proportion of road users, lack of traffic management, inadequate transport infrastructure, and proper implementation traffic rules
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
