Experience in Road Safety Diagnosis in the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Using the iRAP Methodology

Abstract

This paper describes the road safety experience of using the iRAP methodology on roads in the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins. Through the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), we were able to diagnose the existing road safety conditions and propose a plan to improve the roads in question. Using this tool, a study called "Road Safety Diagnosis of Various Routes in the Road Network of the O'Higgins, Maule, and Biobío Regions" was conducted, where 106.53 km of the paved road network in the Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins were analyzed, with a road safety project valued at approximately $3,000,000,000. The Dirección de Vialidad initiated this program, called the Road Safety Diagnosis of the Road Network, focused on improving operational routes with low-cost actions. It should be noted that the iRAP methodology is based on a "Star Rating" system, which is an objective measure of the level of road safety on a road. A plan of improvement measures is then proposed, which has a cost-benefit relationship associated with the likely lives saved. Finally, this allowed us to understand the road safety status of the analyzed roads and, with the improvements made, raised the need for follow-ups and future audits to assess the results. This would allow for the implementation of new methodologies to complete this cycle.