Influence of Road Feature Variables on Accident Rate in Cameroun. Case study: The road triangle Yaounde-Douala-Bafoussam-Yaounde Highway

Civil Engineering

The objective of this work was to identify the road features variables that impact the crash rate on the road triangle, establish the relationship between these variables and the crash rate through descriptive analysis and correlation analysis using SPSS Software then propose solutions to improve on the safety of its users. To accomplish this, accident reports from the State Defense Secretariat (SED) for the years 2021 and 2022 were analyzed based on the safety performance indicators to identify accident-prone locations. Was obtained as risk locations, 13 risk segments and 7 risk intersections, then a site visit conducted to gather road feature data influencing the crash rate. Some key road parameters that emerged as responsible for crashes included inadequate number of lanes and width, insufficient shoulder width, poor road conditions (especially on the National Road 5), access points without access controls, absence of clear zones, and inappropriate intersection layout. Results from the correlation analysis revealed that the one-way lane width, number of lanes, median width and state of guardrails showed a good correlation with the crash rate suggesting that modifying these features positively could mitigate the crash rate. To enhance road safety several countermeasures including increasing the number of lanes particularly at sections like Douala-Yassa and Yaoundé-Obala, adopting a single speed limit of 80km/h expect at specific points, installing rumble strips, widening shoulder widths to 2.5 m so could serve as clear zones, regular road and environmental maintenance, and implementing proper signage. These measures aim to improve infrastructure and foster a safer road environment for all users.

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