Road crashes: What changes are needed to reduce them in the EU – ETSC proposals

THE incorrect application of the basics road safety rules form significant obstacle in the effort reduction of deaths from road accidents in Europe, according to a new report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

This report examines the enforcement situation speed limitsits proper use seat belt in the rear seats, driving under the influence alcohol and use mobile devices while driving. Data collected between 2010 and 2019 across Europe show that driving under the influence of alcohol has decreased in eight countries, while it has increased to five. However, 13 countries do not collect data on the number of inspections, making it difficult for the ETSC to gather information to draw useful conclusions on road safety issues. After all, a 2018 survey had shown that only 23% of Europeans believed they were likely to be controlled while driving under the influence of alcohol. This research then showed that the imposition of fines was effective only when people realized that they were in danger of being arrested and losing their diploma.

High speed has a direct effect on the probability and severity of a car accident. The people who collected the data found that there are huge differences between countries. THE Sweden for example it has 100 times more speed cameras per million inhabitants than the Czech republic. Elements that prevent drivers from running over the limit.

The ETSC should also ask the EU to improve the rules for cross-border monitoring of traffic offenses, as data show that in some EU countries less than half of the fines are paid by foreign drivers. The new rules should make it mandatory for countries to monitor infringements and for Member States to ensure that unpaid fines are monitored. An EU proposal for new rules on cross-border enforcement is expected in the coming months.

Seat belt usage rates vary considerably between EU countries. Non-use of seat belts in the rear seats is of particular concern. In Germany the percentage of use of seat belts for rear passengers reaches 99%, while in Italy this percentage is only 11%. Following suggestions, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) calls for mandatory rear seatbelt reminder systems in all new cars. As early as 2019, reminders for the use of rear seat belts in new cars are required.

Enforcement of mobile driving rules has also decreased in 14 countries and increased to only 11. The growing trend of mobile phone use is a concern for experts, and we should not forget that the process of sending text messages while driving has increased. .

“Thousands of lives could be saved in the EU each year if drivers complied with current rules for driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone. Good enforcement is absolutely crucial to this. Europe will not achieve its goal of halving road accident deaths and serious injuries by 2030. National governments must act immediately and the EU can play its part in ensuring cross-border traffic and “Offenses are regularly monitored,” said Ellen Townsend, policy director at the European Transport Safety Council.

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