The value of zero : zero visions and road safety policy. A ‘zero vision’ in policy means aiming for the highest attainable goal: eliminating, or at least minimizing the negative consequences of a social phenomenon. In road safety, a zero vision entails aiming for zero road fatalities and/or zero serious road injuries. Zero visions are also embraced in other areas: for example in industrial accidents, infant mortality, emissions, et cetera. In road safety workshops, conferences and symposia, the question is often asked whether governments should aim for zero. Those in favour indicate that a zero vision demonstrates a strong ambition. In addition, the zero vision is considered to be the only moral option: it should not be the case that a government settles for an x number of road fatalities. Furthermore, an ambitious vision is expected to result in stronger commitment and better road safety plans. Opponents state that a zero vision — depending on the way it is being realized — would withdraw the responsibility from the user of the system, the road user in this case. He/she could then sit back and not do anything because the responsibility rests with the system designer. In the long term this could be disadvantageous for road safety. Other arguments against a zero vision concern its financial expenses: if each road fatality must be saved at any cost and without taking account of cost-effectiveness, no means will be available in the long term to combat mortality in other areas. This report provides an overview of the existing zero visions, mainly those in relation with road safety, but also those in other areas. After a brief introduction, the significance of ambitious quantitative targets will be outlined. While this is not necessarily the same as a zero vision, it is wise to consider why it makes sense to formulate a quantitative ambitious goal. Among other things, road safety targets appear to sharpen the commitment of the top level of the relevant authorities and ensure that safety plans are better developed. Countries with a concrete road safety target are also found to achieve better road safety gains than countries without such a target.
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