The integrated methodology for assessing the safety of the road network infrastructure in Romania

Romania has the highest road fatality rate in the EU and the lowest perception of road quality. This study presents the implementation of a preliminary procedure and tools provided by the European Commission for the safety assessment of the DN2-E85 road infrastructure, which covers 472.23 km. This road was selected due to the high number of road deaths between 2017 and 2022. The research focuses on the application of both proactive and reactive methodologies as required by Directive (EU) 2019/1936, which requires full road network safety assessments by 2024, with subsequent assessments every five years. The proactive methodology assesses the built-in road safety of the road infrastructure based on design parameters, while the reactive methodology is based on historical data on accidents and traffic flows. The integration of these methodologies allows the classification of road segments into five risk levels. Preliminary results indicate that approximately 59% of the length of the DN2-E85 road is classified as “very high priority”, highlighting significant safety deficiencies, which require actions to immediately improve traffic safety. This study highlights the need for systematic road infrastructure safety assessments and prioritisation of high-risk segments to reduce road fatalities and improve overall road safety. The findings serve as crucial information for road safety auditors and the Romanian Road Authority - ARR, supporting the identification of high-risk areas and the allocation of resources to improve safety. In addition, this research provides a basic basis for future adaptations of road infrastructure safety assessment guidelines, considering the specific characteristics of national and county roads. By aligning with EU directives and national standards, the study aims to increase road safety and reduce the incidence of serious accidents in Romania. The insights gained from this research are essential for developing effective road safety strategies and implementing remedial measures that address the most dangerous segments of the road network.