Programs | RFEA

LATEST ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

In Australia’s federal system, all levels of government implement a range of measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries within their specific areas of responsibility. The National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 sets out Australia’s road safety objectives over the next decade and includes key priorities for action and targets to reduce the annual number of fatalities by at least 50% and serious injuries by at least 30% by 2030. The Strategy continues the commitment to the Safe System approach and strengthens all elements of the road transport system under three key themes: safe roads, safe vehicles and safe road use with speed management embedded in all key themes. The Strategy adopts a social model approach to foster a road safety culture across society and make road safety business-as-usual. The National Road Safety Strategy represents all governments’ commitment to delivering significant reductions in road trauma, putting Australia on a path to achieve ‘Vision Zero’ or zero deaths and serious injuries on their roads by 2050.

MAJOR PROGRAMS

AUSTRALIA

In Australia, the government has implemented several road safety programs aimed at reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities.

Some of the major programs include:

National Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030: This is a 10-year plan that aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads by at least 30 percent by 2030.

Road Safety Innovation Fund: This fund is aimed at promoting innovative solutions to road safety challenges in Australia.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator: This regulator is responsible for regulating heavy vehicles in Australia and promoting road safety in the heavy vehicle industry.

Road Safety Awareness Campaigns: The government regularly runs road safety campaigns to raise awareness about safe driving practices and reduce the number of road accidents.

Overseas

In other countries, there are also various road safety programs that have been implemented, such as:

Vision Zero: This is a road safety program that originated in Sweden and has been adopted by several other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Germany. The program aims to reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries to zero.

Safe System Approach: This approach has been implemented in several countries, including Australia and New Zealand. It is based on the idea that road safety is a shared responsibility and requires a comprehensive approach that involves engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response.

Global Road Safety Partnership: This is a public-private partnership that aims to improve road safety in low- and middle-income countries. The partnership provides technical assistance and support to governments and organizations to develop road safety programs and policies.

These are just a few examples of the road safety programs that have been implemented in Australia and overseas.

There are many other programs that have been developed and implemented to address road safety challenges in different countries and regions.

ROAD TOLL CHANGES

There are many factors that can contribute to an increase or decrease in road tolls in Australia and overseas. Some of the possible reasons for changes in road tolls include:

Changes in road infrastructure: Improvements in road infrastructure such as widening of roads, installation of roundabouts, improved lighting and signage, and upgrades to pedestrian crossings can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the road.

Changes in vehicle technology: Advances in vehicle technology, such as the introduction of electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning systems, can help to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents.

Changes in driver behaviour: Changes in driver behaviour can also impact road tolls. For example, increased enforcement of speeding and drink-driving laws can lead to a reduction in accidents.

Weather conditions: Changes in weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can increase the risk of accidents on the road.

Economic factors: Economic factors such as changes in fuel prices or employment levels can influence the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn can impact road safety.

Demographic factors: Changes in population demographics such as the aging population, increased migration and changes in travel patterns can influence the number and type of vehicles on the road.

It is important to note that road tolls can be affected by a complex interplay of these and other factors, and that the reasons for changes in road tolls can vary depending on the specific country, region, or even local area in question.

There is no single country that can be identified as the best in decreasing road toll, as the progress in reducing road accidents and fatalities varies widely between countries depending on factors such as road infrastructure, traffic laws and enforcement, vehicle safety standards, and cultural attitudes towards road safety.

However, there are some countries that have made significant progress in reducing road deaths in recent years. For example, Sweden has consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world in terms of road fatalities per capita. Sweden has implemented a comprehensive approach to road safety, which includes measures such as strict speed limits, seat belt and helmet laws, and campaigns to encourage responsible driving behaviour.

Similarly, the Netherlands has also made great strides in reducing road deaths through measures such as building safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, lowering speed limits, and increasing public awareness of road safety.

Other countries that have made notable progress in reducing road deaths include Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These countries have all implemented a range of measures, including improved road design, stricter traffic laws, and increased public education and awareness.

Overall, the key to reducing road deaths is a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of measures, including infrastructure improvements, law enforcement, and public education and awareness campaigns.