In 2010, the government launched the Safer Journeys road safety strategy. It set out some ambitious goals, and proposed some major and sometimes controversial changes. But the stakes are simply too high not to act. Every year, hundreds of people are killed on our roads and thousands are injured. These tragedies are avoidable. Progress made over the last 30 years had begun to slow and it was clear that a change in approach was needed. Safer Journeys delivered this through its Safe System approach to road safety, a shift from blaming road users to looking at what we could all do together – industry and the public, local and central government. It also looked at how we could work across the whole road system to tackle problems, proposing actions for safe roads and roadsides, safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe road use. In 2010, the government progressed legislation that will raise the driving age, allow alcohol interlocks for repeat offenders, create zero alcohol limits for young drivers and repeat drink drivers, and raise penalties for offences causing death. Cabinet also approved initiatives to improve motorcycle safety and to change the give way rules In addition, progress has been made on safer, more efficient highways through rumble strips, median barriers and the seven Roads of National Significance. Research into adult drink-drive limits and vehicle restrictions for young drivers will start soon. This document is a call to action for our road safety partners. Work has started, but there is more to be done and it is important that we keep the momentum going. This action plan is also crucial in ensuring a whole of government approach to road safety. Local government has an essential role in the success of this action plan, and central government agencies should make use of every opportunity to work with and support the work of local government (Author/publisher)
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