Policy makers must plan for vulnerable road users

Creation date: 18 June 2009

South Africa has one of the ten highest road traffic fatality rates in the world, and almost half of those victims are poor, vulnerable road users.
The World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Road Safety, released in mid-June, found that almost half of the approximately 1.27-million people who die each year in road crashes are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists (together known as vulnerable road users), and noted that clearly, more action is needed to make the world's roads safer.

The results of research in 178 countries showed that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists make up almost half of those killed on the roads, highlighting the need for these road users to be given more attention in road safety programmes. The results suggest that in many countries road safety laws need to be made more comprehensive while enforcement should be strengthened. 

Vulnerable road users are at additional risk where their needs have not been taken into consideration during the planning of land use or road construction, notes the Report. In many countries, such as South Africa, roads are planned and built to allow motor vehicles to travel faster, while insufficient thought is given to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. This means that vulnerable users face increasing risks in using and crossing roads. 

As motorisation increases globally, many countries are not giving enough attention to the needs of vulnerable users in their transport policies. Many of the proven interventions being implemented globally – such as crash tests, child car seats and seat belts - are relevant to car occupants only.

Policy makers therefore need to address the ability of road users to walk and cycle safely, ensure the availability of affordable and safe public transport, and seeks ways to reduce dependency on the use of private cars.

The Report also recommended that not only are road speeds reduced worldwide, but that policy makers find ways in which to reduce the number of motor vehicles on the roads altogether.
 
The report further showed that:
◦Most road traffic deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries.
◦Over 90% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low-income and middle-income countries, which have only 48% of the world’s registered vehicles.
◦Nearly half of those dying on the world’s roads are vulnerable road users.
◦Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of motorized two-wheeler and their passengers account for around 46% of global road traffic deaths.
◦Enforcement of laws relating to key risk factors for road traffic injuries is poor in many countries.
◦Public transport users may also be vulnerable road users, particularly where public transport vehicles are unsafe, overcrowded or unregulated.
◦Approximately 62% of reported road traffic deaths occur in 10 countries – which in order of magnitude are India, China, the US, the Russian Federation, Brazil, Iran, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa and India. The 10 countries with the lowest road traffic fatality rates are almost all high-income countries.
 

In South Africa, pedestrians account for 39% of road deaths, drivers of 4-wheelers 25%, passengers of 4-wheelers 32%, cyclists 2% and motorbikers 2%.
The survey notes that South Africa does not require formal road safety audits for major new road construction projects, nor regular audits for existing roads infrastructure.

Source: http://www.mobilitymag.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=869:policy-makers-must-plan-for-vulnerable-road-users&Itemid=24