While there has been a slow but regular improvement in traffic safety overall in Europe over the last 30 years, the number of road deaths is still socially unacceptable and difficult ot justify ot the citizen. The European Commission (EC) has propsed that the European Union should set itself the target of halving the number of road deaths by 2010. However Member States have been highly reluctant to take action at the Community level, for example discussion over harmonising blood alcohol limits has been ongoing for 12 years. The EC has proposed standardising the rules on checks concerning the road traffic offences which cause the most deaths (excessive / inappropriate speed, alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and failure to wear a safety belt or helmet) and concerning compliance with social regulations. It has also propsed action to deal with particularly hazardous places (accident blackspots). An action programme will encourage road users to improve their behaviour, make vehicles safer and improve road infrastructure. For the English version of this report see ST 20031491.
Abstract