Canada's Federal/Provincial Co-operative Road Safety Program (1974-1979) resulted in a drop of 33 percent in the fatality rate, more than double the goal of 15 percent. The program and the effect of the countermeasure initiated during the program is described. The success of the first program promoted Canadian governments to establish ad second five-year program with ad goal of a 17 percent reduction in the fatality rate. To identify the second goal, The knowledge and experience of researchers were used effectively by officials and politicians in making practical decisions on the level of the goal and the program elements to support the goal. The process of identifying national goals and establishing two five-year programs made extensive use of research results and countermeasure effectiveness information while involving senior officials and politicians in the policy making activity. The result was a major reduction in traffic fatalities; however, what may be more important in the long term is the ongoing commitment to highway safety in Canada and the new mechanism for monitoring the trends in fatalities, injuries and safety programs. (A)
Abstract