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- No. 47, autumn 2011
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- No. 5 - March 1996
- SWOV articles
The leading role
The present traffic system offers ample opportunity for hazardous encounters, and this is viewed as the underlying cause of road accidents.
The proposals given to bring about a sustainable, safe traffic and transport system represent the basis for four design rules that have been formulated to combat the underlying causes:
- Avoid unnecessary use of the traffic and transport system, i.e. minimise the number of kilometres driven.
- Avoid unnecessarily hazardous road use, i.e. employ the safest possible vehicles over the safest possible road by the most suitable users.
- When using the system, exclude or minimise hazardous encounters and make the remaining encounters manageable for road users; protect road users against injury in the event of a collision.
- No disruptions to the system or unintended use of the system.
With the application of these rules to the behaviour of road users, it has been demonstrated that such behaviour should exhibit four characteristics:
- Users must have an understanding of, and agree with, the organisation of the road network. Road users must feel that their needs are being met and hence be prepared to adhere to the conditions and limitations associated with the use of the road.
- When choosing modes of relocation, users must consider the inherent safety for themselves and for others.
- Users must have at their disposal the knowledge and skills needed to deal with the system and take into account the interests of other road users.
- Users should be able to handle emergency situations.
The applicability of the existing theories and models used to analyse and influence behaviour in traffic has been investigated. In the report (R-95-49) a description is given of what is needed to make the transition from current behaviour in traffic towards the desired situation as part of a sustainable, safe transport and traffic system.
The final part of the assignment investigates what forms of behaviour modification are needed to assure the sustainable, safe conduct of road users.
Knowledge base
- Sustainable Safety
vision, implementation... - Road safety developments
mobility, risk, casualties... - Road safety policy
targets, costs, benefits... - Road safety costs
crash costs, road deaths...
- Modes of transport
pedestrians, bicyclist, cars... - High-risk behaviour
alcohol, drugs, telephone, fatigue... - High-risk groups
children, youngsters, elderly... - Measures
education, enforcement, technology... - Data and analysis
sources, analyzing...