Over 300,000 persons die and 10-15 million persons are injured worldwide in road accidents every year. Developing countries have particularly high fatality rates in relation to their vehicle fleets and these rates can often be 20-30 times higher than equivalent rates in industrialised countries. Although problems in the developing world are more severe, opportunities also exist because of their early stages of development. Often road systems and networks are not yet fully developed and it is possible to make minor alterations now, which can lead to safer roads in future years. More careful planning of road networks and communities, segregation of through traffic from local traffic, inclusion of additional safety features at potential hazards can all help to reduce accidents and their consequences if they do happen. This paper introduces a new guide by TRRL Overseas Unit entitled: "Towards safer roads in developing countries. A guide for planners and engineers" (see IRRD 843648), which is aimed at engineers, planners and other professionals in developing countries. The Guide will assist them to create safer roads in their own countries. It outlines typical solutions which have been found to be successful and by drawing upon design guides and working manuals of the industrialised world and upon the experience and knowledge of experienced practitioners, with extensive experience of the developing world, provides a comprehensive source of reference and advice for such professionals. The intention is that the Guide will provide a source of knowledge, reference and advice to enable professionals in developing countries to begin to tackle the road safety problems facing their countries.
Samenvatting