Based on TRL research, the Scottish Office road safety plan was published in 1995 to provide a framework which helps to co-ordinate the diverse road safety activities of roads, transport, education, environment, home and health interests in Scotland. The Scottish Office is responsible for ensuring that appropriate policies and legislation exist to target the issues most important in Scotland, and the plan gives comprehensive coverage of all relevant activities within focus of the organisation. By identifying achievable targets and measurable goals for a commitment of known and available resources, the Scottish Office can encourage a road safety culture which is conductive to a culture of co-operation culture of co-operation by health, education, police, roads and transport departments. A review of casualty statistics and casualty reduction potential for each road user group is described, and key road safety initiatives for each target group are presented. Particular focus is given to pedestrian casualties since pedestrians make up over 30 per cent of the road casualty cost in Scotland. This paper looks at the reasons for this through a detailed examination of social, demographic and casualty statistics including comparisons with other European countries. Pedestrian exposure is higher in Scotland due to low levels of car ownership. High degrees of segregation of vehicles and pedestrians, such as in cities with extensive pedestrianisation and new towns, are associated with lower casualty levels.
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