Speed management

Speeding is a major risk factor for road traffic injuries, contributing to both crash risk and crash consequences. As average traffic speed increases, so too does the likelihood of a crash. For instance, an increase of 1 km/h in mean vehicle speed results in an increase of 3% in the incidence of crashes resulting in injury and an increase of 4–5% in the incidence of fatal crashes. The higher the speed the greater the stopping distance required, and hence the increased risk of a road traffic crash.

Interventions

• Establish and enforce speed limit laws nationwide, locally and in cities
• Build or modify roads which calm traffic, e.g. roundabouts, road narrowing, speed bumps, chicanes and rumble strips
• Require car makers to install new technologies, such as intelligent speed adaptation, to help drivers keep to speed limits

Leadership on road safety

It takes effective leadership to mobilize action for the implementation of road safety policies and strategies. Leaders must ensure there is collaboration across a diverse group of actors including those from health, transport, finance, education and law enforcement agencies.

Interventions

• Create an agency to spearhead road safety
• Develop and fund a road safety strategy
• Evaluate the impact of road safety strategies
• Monitor road safety by strengthening data systems
• Raise awareness and public support through education and campaigns

Infrastructure design and improvement

Traditionally, road infrastructure has focused mainly on motorized transport - often at the expense of safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Today most countries, while promoting walking and cycling, have not developed infrastructure that reduces the risk of road traffic injuries, and pedestrians and cyclists are forced to share the road with high-speed vehicles. Governments should prioritize updating road design standards and ensure that new roads are planned, designed and operated according to safety standards.

Interventions

• Provide safe infrastructure for all road users including sidewalks, safe crossings, refuges, overpasses and underpasses
• Put in place bicycle and motorcycle lanes
• Make the sides of roads safer by using clear zones, collapsible structures or barriers
• Design safer intersections
• Separate access roads from through-roads
• Prioritize people by putting in place vehicle-free zones
• Restrict traffic and speed in residential, commercial and school zones
• Provide better, safer routes for public transport 

Vehicle safety standards

Safe vehicles play a critical role in averting crashes and reducing the likelihood of serious injury. The United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations sets safety standards for motor vehicles and provides a legal framework that Member States may apply voluntarily. Vehicles that meet the requirements of these standards are less likely to be involved in road traffic crashes and, in the event of a crash, are less likely to cause serious injury. However, only 40 countries currently meet all priority safety regulations.

Interventions

• Establish and enforce motor vehicle safety standard regulations related to:
  • seat-belts;
  • seat-belt anchorages;
  • frontal impact;
  • side impact;
  • electronic stability control;
  • pedestrian protection; and
  • ISOFIX child restraint points.
• Establish and enforce regulations on motorcycle anti-lock braking and daytime running lights

Enforcing traffic laws

The five main behaviours most likely to result in road traffic injuries are drinking and driving, not using a helmet, a seat-belt or child restraint, and speeding. Although many countries have laws that address these risky behaviours, they may not be fully enforced. When establishing new laws or amending existing ones, consider the evidence on best practices. Laws that do not meet best practice are less likely to have an impact on road traffic deaths or change the behaviour of drivers and passengers.

Interventions

Establish and enforce laws at national, local and city levels on: 

• drinking and driving;
• motorcycle helmets;
• seat-belts; and
• child restraints.

Survival after a crash

Timely and effective emergency care can reduce the consequences of injuries resulting from a road traffic crash, thereby reducing disability and deaths. Effective emergency care begins at the scene of injury with assistance from bystanders and continues through prehospital care and transport to services at an appropriate medical facility.

Interventions

• Develop organized and integrated prehospital and facility-based emergency care systems
• Train those who respond to crashes in basic emergency care
• Promote community first responder training