Citation

Hughes B, Falkmer T, Anund A. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2019; 30(1): 34-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

The improvements to road safety since the 1970's are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain in many developed countries. This paper analyses ten Australasian Government road safety strategies against two key criteria: 1. a comprehensive framework for road safety, and 2. the anticipated changing, difficult and unpredictable nature of future transport and its context. The analysis concludes that current Australasian road safety strategies are weak in some areas of content and do not address future challenges. Improvements are suggested to strengthen strategies' thoroughness and robustness, as well as ways that the strategies can be more resilient to future circumstances.

Keywords: System, Future, Strategy, Plan, Policy, Assessment, Road Safety.

Key Findings

• This paper developed and applied a rating scale to assess road safety strategies against criteria for: 1. a comprehensive framework for road safety, and 2. the anticipated changing, difficult and unpredictable nature of future transport and its context.

• The ten Australasian road safety strategies assessed were historical in nature and weak in terms of a comprehensive systems approach for safety management and readiness for future circumstances and challenges.

• The strategies could be improved by more thoroughly including concepts from systems approaches; particularly other parts (or components) and processes, broader policy tools, a greater diversity of participants and clearer relationships within the road safety system.

• The strategies could be improved by preparing for future changes impacting on road safety including technology, emerging markets and business models, and changing consumer preferences.

• The strategies could also be improved by adopting relevant analytical techniques to respond to the uncertainties of the future transport system that makes road safety outcomes more unpredictable.

Language: en