Role of Sight distance in design of

Geometry

Submitted by:
Rapolu Vyshnavi
AEE (Civil), MoRTH
 Introduction

Sight distance is a length of road surface which a particular driver can

see with an acceptable level of clarity. Sight distance plays an important
role in geometric highway design because it establishes an acceptable
design speed, based on a driver's ability to visually identify and stop for
a particular, unforeseen roadway hazard or pass a slower vehicle without
being in conflict with opposing traffic. As velocities on a roadway are
increased, the design must be catered to allowing additional viewing
distances to allow for adequate time to stop.

Types of Sight Distances and their importance

a) Stopping Sight Distance (S.S.D):

The minimum sight distance available on a highway at any spot should

be of sufficient length to stop a vehicle traveling at design speed, safely
without collision with any other obstruction.
Importance:
Design of valley curves

b) Overtaking Sight Distance (O.S.D):

Passing Sight Distance (PSD) is the minimum sight distance that is

required on a highway, generally a two-lane, two-directional one, that
will allow a driver to pass another vehicle without colliding with a
vehicle in the opposing lane. This distance also allows the driver to abort
the passing maneuver if desired.
Importance:
Design of Summit curves

c) Intermediate Sight Distance (I.S.D):

Defined as twice the S.S.D

Importance:
Design of Summit curves where it is not feasible to provide S.S.D

d) Head Light Sight Distance (H.S.D):

Distance visible to a driver during night driving under the illumination

of head lights
Importance:
During day time visibility is not a problem on valley curves. During
night time design must ensure that sufficient roadway is illuminated
under vehicle headlight. Hence considered in Design of Valley curves

e) Sight Distance to enter into intersection:

Importance:
At intersections where two or more roads meet, visibility should be
provided for the drivers approaching the intersection from either sides.
They should be able to perceive a hazard and stop the vehicle if
required. Stopping sight distance for each road can be computed from
the design speed. The sight distance should be provided such that the
drivers on either side should be able to see each other.
 Conclusion
Normally the attempt should be to provide overtaking sight distance in
as much as road length as possible. Where the is not possible,
intermediate sight distance which affords reasonable opportunities for
overtaking should be provide as next best option. In no case however
should be the visibility corresponding to stopping sight distance which is
the basic minimum for any road.