Reasons for the increased incidence of injury and death on the roads among people (including children) socially excluded (deficient in access to employment, education, good housing, transport and amenities) in Scotland were investigated. Thirty projects were identified with a road safety dimension. These were classified as technical/physical, promotional, educational or behavioural. Where there was local involvement, this tended to promote national programmes such as Safer Routes, but in many local authority areas there was little evidence of there being a more positive action-focused approach to the more disadvantaged or socially excluded communities. The survey also found variable approaches to partnership working, with Road Safety Units often not being fully involved with other organisations promoting community safety strategies. Recommendations for more action to be focused on deprived areas are made and a Good Practice Guide `A safe place to live' has been produced from this study.
Abstract