This paper reviews the UK government's policy on reducing road traffic casualties. The first casualty reduction target was set in 1987 and was successful in raising the profile of road safety. Trend analysis showed that it was possible to identify and isolate the effects of three policy areas (drink driving, local safety engineering and secondary safety). Baseline forecasts of casualties in 2010 were produced for each road user group. New policy measures were considered and goals were set on the basis of realistic estimates of what could be achieved. The results of this modelling work were used to inform policy development and the final choice of new targets for 2010. Key policies included child safety measures, more effective speed limit enforcement, improvements to vehicle design, and review of road traffic penalties. Implementation of the strategy required commitment and action from a wide range of people in partnership, and consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders. Policy monitoring and evaluation is necessary to review the strategy. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118917.
Abstract