Here are my Top 10 points from the just-released Great Britain Road Safety Strategy:
- A clear statement that the Safe System sits at the heart of the strategy. “the Safe System lies at the heart of our strategy.”
- Recognition that human error must be expected and designed for. “The Safe System recognises that while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not.”
- An explicit shift away from individual blame. “A Safe System approach requires responsibility to be shifted away from individuals and towards a transport system that anticipates mistakes and reduces the risk of serious injuries.”
- Clear acknowledgement that safety must be proactive and systemic. “The approach is proactive. Actions are systemic.”
- One of the strongest responsibility statements I have seen in national road safety policy. “Those operating vehicles that can cause the greatest harm carry the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.”
- Infrastructure framed as a core Safe System pillar, not a supporting element. “Safe roads and roadsides and safe speeds are pillars within the Safe System and key to the collective work to reduce collisions and casualties on the roads.”
- Alignment between the Safe System and the Hierarchy of Road Users. “places those most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy.”
- A clear and honest statement about why cycling uptake stalls. “perceptions of safety are the main barrier to people cycling, especially for women and children.”
- Recognition that safer systems create better places for people. “By making roads safer, everyone benefits.”
- A reminder of what Safe System is actually trying to achieve. “This strategy is guided by a long-term ambition for nobody to be killed or seriously injured on roads… with interventions underpinned by the Safe System.”
… now time for ACTION.
Read the Great Britain Road Safety Strategy here.
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