Citation

Adams JGU. Traffic Eng. Control 1988; 29(6): 344-352.

Affiliation

University College of London, London, England

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Hemming Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

There is uncertainty about which, if any, road safety measures work. There is even uncertainty about how to recognise success if it is achieved. The uncertainty has two main causes. The accident statistics on which road safety research depend are terrible, and the statistics, even when accurate, cannot measure safety or danger. Injury data and fatality data frequently lead to opposite conclusions about what works. The fatality numbers are usually small and unstable, and the injury data are subject to numerous and large distorting influences. The statistical basis of the Department of Transport's claims for the safety benefits of road-building is totally inadequate. Most safety measures are biassed against vulnerable road-users. Because of risk compensation, safety measures commonly lead to the displacement of accidents, and/or safety benefits being consumed as performance benefits.

Language: en