The silver zone scheme
Tan, Wei Yang
Date of Issue2016-12-12
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Senior pedestrians are vulnerable roads users. As Singapore’s population ages, the trend of increasing accidents involving senior pedestrians becomes a concern. Traffic Police’s statistics proved that senior pedestrians are more prone to road accidents. As such, Silver Zones are implemented in Singapore, with Silver Zone Road Safety Initiatives (SZRSIs) to enhance safety for senior pedestrians. To assess the effectiveness of such new implementation, vehicular speeds, traffic flow, road crossing speeds of seniors, and surveys of opinions collected at Silver Zones and other roads were analysed. Comparison of data could suggest certain safety devices’ effectiveness. For example, the slower vehicles across a SZRSI device could mean that the road segment is safer for senior pedestrians, as motorists have more time to look out for pedestrians. Surveying of senior pedestrians (direct beneficiaries) in Silver Zones provides a clearer picture of the situation. Their frequent use of the roads enables the provision of precise insights of what should be done. Two major aspects, namely vehicular speeds and motorists’ attention levels and behaviours critically impact senior pedestrians’ safety. Apart from vehicular speeds, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should look into the aspect of motorists’ condition while driving. Together, these factors affect whether motorists give way to pedestrians. Surveys conducted found that motorists driving slowly yet involved in distraction are common. Therefore, road designs and devices should also foster motorists to exercise great attention and caution. Extensive speed studies at different SZRSIs found that a vertical shift in the carriageway such as a hump is more effective than a lateral shift in slowing down traffic. Correspondingly, specific questions posed at these different features uncovered that most motorists involve in distractions while driving. Interviewing senior pedestrians in Silver Zones on their experience revealed that that more feel safer crossing the road at the raised junction. Consequently, the effectiveness of the different physical measures was discussed. Hence, factors of safety level can be identified. The results gave rise to the recommendation of safer designs. View obstruction of motorists was noted at some Silver Zones. This project recommends a safe design that largely fits well in most silver zones. However, the constraints of resources and manpower limited the accuracy and completeness of the research. Future studies by electronically capturing the behaviour of different road users can be conducted. The determinants of accidents involving pedestrians can be accurately identified. Thereupon, ways of tackling the dangers can be promoted and implemented. Consequently, near zero accidents involving senior pedestrians becomes more probable in attaining.
Final Year Project (FYP)
Nanyang Technological University