Evaluation of Enhancement of Star Rating and Risk Factor in Eight Schools of Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Globally 1.35 million individuals have lost their lives in road crashes, with 500 children perishing daily due to such incidents. 2883 individuals lost their lives in Nepal roads in fiscal year 2021/22. Kathmandu shares more than half of the national road crashes and 471 children were involved in such crashes. Eight schools of Kathmandu valley were selected for the study. Star Rating for School (SR4S) tool is utilized to evaluate, handle, and communicate the road crash risk that children face in school and vicinity. This is the first pilot project for assessing road safety of schools within the country. The proposed road safety interventions were implemented, and the safety scenario increased to 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star at two, four and two schools respectively. Through implementation of speed management techniques, the operating speed decreased by 20% to 40% at each school.