Do Passive Traffic Safety Measures Influence Driver Compliance on Low-Volume Rural Roads? An Implementation Case Study from Gujarat, India

Low-volume rural roads in India often lack geometric consistency and proper maintenance, leading to increased crash risks despite lower traffic volumes. This study investigates the effectiveness of implementing retro-reflective traffic signs and road furniture in improving driver behavior and overall safety on these roads. A total of 34 critical locations across nine sections on low-volume rural roads were identified. Pre-intervention data was collected on compliance (measured by reliability index using the first order reliability method), driver behavior (speed variability which are the different speeds at which the drivers choose to drive at similar roadway and traffic conditions and lane adherence during night-time on curves), and crash risk (potential for traffic conflict) at unsignalized intersections. Subsequently, retro-reflective traffic signs and road furniture were installed at the critical locations by preparing signage plans. Post-intervention data was collected using the same metrics. The study found significant improvements in safety following the intervention. Compliance with traffic regulations, as measured by the reliability index, showed improvement in most critical sections. Driver behavior metrics indicated a reduction in speed variability and improved lane adherence during night-time. Additionally, crash risks decreased at unsignalized intersections, suggesting safer movement of vehicles on intersections. The study demonstrates that the implementation of retro-reflective traffic signs and road furniture on low-volume rural roads in India can significantly improve driver behavior and overall safety. These low-cost, passive safety measures offer a cost-effective strategy for mitigating crash risks on these high-risk roads. The study acknowledges the potential role of driver awareness campaigns in further enhancing the effectiveness of such interventions.