Road safety is a critical global issue, impacting millions of lives each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations have developed a comprehensive framework to tackle this challenge, known as the “Five Pillars for Action” in road safety. These pillars form the backbone of a safe system approach, aiming to minimise road traffic injuries and fatalities. This blog delves into each of these pillars, exploring their origins, significance, and tangible examples of their implementation, while also shedding light on the often-overlooked post-collision response.
The Origins of the Five Pillars
The Five Pillars for Action in road safety were established as part of the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) and have continued to guide global efforts in the subsequent Decade of Action (2021-2030). These pillars were designed to provide a holistic approach to road safety, addressing various facets of the issue to create a robust and resilient road safety system. By focusing on safer roads, vehicles, road users, and effective post-crash response, this framework aims to build a sustainable environment where road safety is paramount.
Pillar 1: Safer Road Users
This first pillar emphasises the role of road users in maintaining safety. This involves education and awareness campaigns, enforcement of traffic laws, and promoting safe behaviours such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, and avoiding impaired driving. The goal is to create a culture of road safety where every individual understands and practises safe behaviours.
Example:
Australia’s “Towards Zero” campaign is an effective illustration of this pillar. Through extensive public education campaigns, the government has raised awareness about the dangers of speeding, drink-driving, and not wearing seat belts. Strict enforcement of traffic laws, combined with public education, has led to significant behavioral changes among road users, contributing to a reduction in road traffic injuries and deaths.
Pillar 2: Safe Vehicles
The third pillar addresses the importance of vehicle safety standards and technologies. This includes ensuring that vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and crash avoidance technologies. Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance are also crucial to ensure vehicles remain safe over their lifespan.
Example:
The European Union’s New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) provides a clear example of the third pillar in action. By rigorously testing new vehicles and rating their safety performance, Euro NCAP has pushed manufacturers to incorporate advanced safety technologies and improve vehicle designs. As a result, modern cars are significantly safer, reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash.
Pillar 3: Safe Speeds
The Safe Speeds pillar is a core component of road safety strategies aimed at reducing the risk of collisions and minimising the severity of injuries when they occur. It involves setting and enforcing appropriate speed limits that reflect the safety needs of all road users, the road environment, and the vehicle types in use. By managing speed, the likelihood of accidents is reduced, and in the event of a crash, the impact forces are lessened, improving the chances of survival and reducing injury severity.
Example in Action: Urban Speed Reduction in London
In London, the introduction of 20 mph zones in residential and high-pedestrian areas is an example of the Safe Speeds principle in action. These lower speed limits were set in recognition of the fact that at lower speeds, drivers have more time to react to hazards, and the severity of injuries in the event of a collision is significantly reduced. Studies from the UK have shown that implementing 20 mph zones can reduce road casualties by up to 40%, highlighting how effective speed management directly contributes to road safety.
By adjusting speed limits in areas where vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists are present, cities can create safer environments that not only prevent accidents but also encourage walking and cycling by reducing the perceived danger.
Pillar 4: Safe roads and roadsides
The fourth pillar focuses on designing and maintaining roads that are safe for all users. This involves implementing infrastructure improvements, such as better road signage, pedestrian crossings, cycling paths, and improved lighting. The goal is to create a road environment that minimises the risk of accidents and enhances the safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Example:
In the Netherlands, the concept of “Duurzaam Veilig” (Sustainable Safety) has been implemented to enhance road safety through infrastructure design. Dutch cities have redesigned urban areas to prioritise non-motorized traffic, incorporating features such as dedicated bike lanes, raised pedestrian crossings, and roundabouts that slow down vehicle speeds. These measures have significantly reduced the number of road traffic injuries and deaths, illustrating the impact of safe road design and infrastructure.
Pillar 5: Post-Crash Response
The fifth pillar, Post-Crash Response, focuses on improving the emergency response and medical care provided to victims of road crashes. This includes efficient emergency medical services (EMS), trauma care systems, and rehabilitation programs. The aim is to reduce the severity of injuries and improve the chances of survival and recovery for crash victims.
Example:
South Korea’s emergency response system serves as a model for post-crash care. The country has established a comprehensive network of trauma centers equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and trained personnel. Rapid response times and coordinated care have significantly improved outcomes for road crash victims, highlighting the importance of an effective post-crash response system.
The Overlooked Pillar: Post-Crash Response
While the first four pillars have garnered considerable attention and resources, the post-crash response pillar often remains underemphasised. This oversight can be attributed to several factors, including the reactive nature of post-crash measures and the focus on preventive strategies. However, the importance of a robust post-crash response cannot be overstated. Immediate and effective care can drastically reduce the impact of injuries and save lives.
Addressing the Gap:
IMPACT will work with its partners and stakeholders in addressing post-collision response. Our centre will focus on advancing knowledge and developing best practices in emergency response, trauma care, and rehabilitation following road traffic accidents. By conducting in-depth research, we can identify gaps in current post-crash systems and propose evidence-based improvements.
By concentrating on post-collision care, IMPACT aims to reduce the severity of injuries, improve survival rates, and enhance the overall resilience of road safety systems.
