Towards Safer Roads: Insights on Traffic Safety and Responsibility

As long as there are humans behind the wheel, accidents are bound to happen. However, much can be done to prevent them, especially through better road design, according to Liza Almqvist from Gjensidige Försäkring, an insurance company in Sweden. Since the Swedish parliament introduced the Vision Zero initiative in 1997, aimed at eliminating fatalities and serious injuries in traffic, the impact has been significant—traffic deaths have been cut in half. Yet, the progress has stagnated; last year, 210 people lost their lives on the road, with the goal for 2030 being a further reduction to 130. While achieving zero deaths in traffic may seem utopian, Almqvist believes there are possibilities to further reduce fatal accidents. "The reality is, despite advances in car safety features, accidents continue for various reasons. One predominant factor is driver distraction, which ranges from illegal use of mobile phones to the increasing prevalence of touchscreens in modern vehicles." The responsibility for road safety is shared between the Swedish Transport Administration and road users. The Vision Zero framework calls for cooperation, stating that both the administration must work to ensure roads are as safe as possible, while all travelers must adhere to traffic rules and demonstrate consideration for others on the road. Improvements have been made, such as transforming two-lane country roads to reduce head-on collisions, implementing wildlife fencing to protect drivers, and using speed cameras to encourage compliance with speed limits. Yet, a report by M Sweden, titled "The Roadside Traffic: Dangerously Designed Road Environments," indicates that far more needs to be done. Common issues identified in the report include poorly designed resting areas that can surprise drivers approaching a crest, leading to dangerous braking. Additionally, inadequate side rails, crushed materials in ditches, and unprotected roadside features have contributed to fatal accidents. The report highlights a particular incident on the E4 highway south of Umeå, where a vehicle crashed into a concrete pillar—an outcome of inadequate snow removal practices that created hazardous ramps. Almqvist advocates for three vital measures to enhance traffic safety: creating meeting-free roads, installing wildlife fencing, and employing speed-reduction technologies such as advanced speed cameras. The human factor remains the leading cause of traffic accidents. Here are Almqvist's four essential driving safety tips: 1. **Keep Your Eyes on the Road**: A car traveling at 90 km/h covers 25 meters in just one second. Efforts should be taken to minimize distractions, especially the use of touchscreens and mobile phones while driving. 2. **Don’t Rely Completely on Your Car’s Safety Systems**: While modern cars include advanced safety features, drivers should avoid becoming overly reliant on these systems, which can lead to complacency. 3. **Don’t Drive When Tired**: Fatigue can impair driving ability similarly to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of mistakes. It is critical to recognize signs of tiredness and refrain from driving. 4. **Maintain Speed Limits**: Adhering to posted speed limits is essential for road safety. In the unfortunate event of a car accident, immediate steps should include vacating the vehicle to avoid being struck by passing traffic, positioning yourself safely behind the car. It's advisable to keep emergency supplies such as weather-appropriate clothing, food, and water in the car to prepare for unexpected situations. Preparation is key; simple precautions can save lives. Almqvist encourages everyone to invest in a car safety kit, which can include items like towing lines, jump cables, emergency hammers, reflective vests, and seatbelt cutters. Additionally, Gjensidige Försäkring offers a range of resources and tips to prevent damage and ensure safety on the road, encompassing guidance for long outings and proper tire types. To support safe driving practices, Gjensidige is also offering a promotion: use the code Bonnier10 by October 26th to receive a 10% discount on new car insurance, available for online purchases only. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2