trafficsafety

Traffic safety is the field focused on reducing the risk of injury and death on roadways. It covers pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and passengers and includes engineering, enforcement, education, and post-crash care. The goal is to create a transportation system where human error or hazardous conditions are less likely to result in serious harm.

Key concepts in traffic safety include identifying and addressing risk factors such as excessive speed, impairment from alcohol or drugs, not using seat belts or helmets, distracted driving, fatigue, adverse weather, and poor road design. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—often face higher injury risks, especially in urban environments with mixed traffic.

A common framework is the Safe System approach, which holds that no one should be seriously harmed in road transport. This leads to integrated measures across safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe road users, and timely post-crash care. Practical measures include designing roads to separate or shield vulnerable users, installing adequate lighting and clear signage, implementing roundabouts and traffic calming, and promoting protected bike lanes. Vehicle safety standards, automatic braking systems, airbags, and maintenance programs contribute to safety. Enforcement of speed limits, impaired-driving laws, seat belt and helmet use, and graduated licensing for new drivers, along with public education campaigns, support safer behavior. Data collection and crash investigation inform policy and targeted interventions.

Globally, road traffic injuries are a major public health issue, with higher fatalities in low- and middle-income countries. International efforts include the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety and Sustainable Development Goal 3.6, which seek to reduce road deaths and injuries through coordinated action and investment.