Liikenneturvallisuustyö

Liikenneturvallisuustyö refers to the organized efforts to prevent road traffic accidents and reduce injuries in Finland. It encompasses planning, implementation and evaluation by authorities, municipalities, organizations and citizens, and covers both national strategies and local projects.

The aim is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries among all road users, with particular emphasis on vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, cyclists, children and the elderly. The work is guided by national road safety strategies and EU obligations and relies on data collection, analysis and evidence-based decision making.

A common framework is the three E’s: education, engineering and enforcement, often complemented by emergency response and research. Education includes school programs and public information campaigns; engineering covers road design, traffic calming, signaling and safer intersections; enforcement involves policing of speed, alcohol and drug limits, seat belt use and other traffic laws. Evaluation monitors the effectiveness of measures and guides adjustments.

Key actors include the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom), Liikenneturva, municipalities, the police, schools and employers, as well as road users themselves.

Typical measures include safer street design, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, reduced speed limits in residential areas, enhanced school zones, helmet campaigns for cyclists and motorcyclists, seat belt campaigns and driver education.