This draft strategy presents a 10-year plan to reduce the annual number of deaths and serious injuries (serious casualties) on Australian roads by at least 30 per cent. It sets out a range of high-level directions and priority actions to drive national road safety performance to the end of 2020. It also lays the groundwork for longer-term goals and aspirations. This proposed casualty reduction target for 2020 is ambitious, but achievable. Many severe road crashes are preventable and history provides evidence that the right interventions can make a significant positive impact. Since 1970, Australia has continuously achieved large and lasting road safety gains from road improvements, safer vehicles, lower speed limits, graduated licensing and a range of successful behavioural programs targeting drink driving, seatbelt usage and speeding. Independent studies and other objective evidence have demonstrated the success of each of these initiatives in reducing road trauma. Despite these achievements, road crashes still cause some 1,500 deaths and 30,000 serious injuries each year. The social impacts are devastating — and the annual cost to the Australian economy is estimated to be $27 billion. The development of this draft strategy has required looking at how road safety can be improved by considering the whole road transport system. This includes recognising the way vehicles, roads and people interact with each other. Although all road users should take responsibility for safe behaviour, people will always make mistakes. This strategy represents a step towards a long-term ambition — to create a road transport system in which those mistakes do not result in death or serious injury. Ultimately, death and serious injury should not be seen as inevitable or acceptable. The draft strategy shows the directions proposed to improve the system, with governments committing to a number of first steps, and identifying a range of additional steps for further consideration. In 2014 there will be a review of progress in implementing these first steps, followed by commitments to further actions to help reach the 10-year goal. The targets and initiatives set out in the strategy were informed by independent analysis and data modelling carried out by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). This National Road Safety Strategy focuses on the main areas where there is evidence that sustained, coordinated effort can lead to large gains. It also focuses on measures which may not see results for some time but which will lead to long-term improvement. The mix of measures adopted in individual jurisdictions, and the details of specific measures, will vary to reflect local circumstances and priorities. This draft strategy forms the basis for consultation with the community. Implementation will require financial commitment as well as administrative and legislative processes. All jurisdictions agree that an evidence-based approach supports a focus on the priorities identified in this strategy. Despite these achievements, road crashes still cause some 1,500 deaths and 30,000 serious injuries each year. The social impacts are devastating — and the annual cost to the Australian economy is estimated to be $27 billion. The development of this draft strategy has required looking at how road safety can be improved by considering the whole road transport system. This includes recognising the way vehicles, roads and people interact with each other. Although all road users should take responsibility for safe behaviour, people will always make mistakes. This strategy represents a step towards a long-term ambition — to create a road transport system in which those mistakes do not result in death or serious injury. Ultimately, death and serious injury should not be seen as inevitable or acceptable. The draft strategy shows the directions proposed to improve the system, with governments committing to a number of first steps, and identifying a range of additional steps for further consideration. In 2014 there will be a review of progress in implementing these first steps, followed by commitments to further actions to help reach the 10-year goal. The targets and initiatives set out in the strategy were informed by independent analysis and data modelling carried out by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). This National Road Safety Strategy focuses on the main areas where there is evidence that sustained, coordinated effort can lead to large gains. It also focuses on measures which may not see results for some time but which will lead to long-term improvement. The mix of measures adopted in individual jurisdictions, and the details of specific measures, will vary to reflect local circumstances and priorities. This draft strategy forms the basis for consultation with the community. Implementation will require financial commitment as well as administrative and legislative processes. All jurisdictions agree that an evidence-based approach supports a focus on the priorities identified in this strategy. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting