This report takes a broad view of some of the trends evident across society, examining them for their impact on road use and potential casualties. In this way, casualties are seen as a function of road-based mobility, but, crucially, not an inevitable or acceptable one. This report lookes at the use of visions in other jurisdictions and the current move away from the use of targets in public service provision in the UK; at how political leadership for casualty reduction might be achieved, how resources might be directed to areas of greatest need and the impact of growing interest in personal and planetary sustainability. It also lookes at demographic issues like an ageing population and the continuing risk experienced by younger road users. And discusses trends in economic activity, the roles of employers and enforcers and how technology can assist in both those roles as well as aiding the individual. Considering road casualties in their widest context and in relation to other events and changes in society allows a full and systematic analysis of causes and possible interventions. This is the message woven through this report: that a holistic approach, involving the widest range of relevant stakeholders, should underpin road safety strategy beyond 2010. (Author/publisher)
Abstract