News Article

PIARC International Seminar on Promoting Road Safety for Vulnerable Road Users

18 February 2009

Background

Although all types of road users are at risk of being injured or killed in a road traffic crash, there are notable differences in fatality rates between different road user groups.  In particular, vulnerable road users such as non-motorized traffic and two-wheeler users are at greater risk than vehicle occupants, and usually bear the greatest burden of injury.

This is especially true in developing and emerging countries, because of the greater variety and intensity of traffic mix and the lack of separation from other road users.  Of particular concern is the mix between the slow-moving and vulnerable non-motorized road users, as well as motorcycles, and that of fast-moving, motorized vehicles.

Objective of this International Seminar

The type of traffic, the mix of different types of road users, and the type of crashes in developing and emerging countries differ significantly from those in more developed countries.  The traffic patterns of developing and emerging countries have generally not been experienced by more developed countries in the past, and technologies and policies can therefore not be automatically transferred from more developed countries without appropriate adaptation and due consideration for local conditions.

The primary objectives of this International Seminar, therefore, entail the following:

·         Identifying and understanding the issues of vulnerable road users in developing and emerging countries;

·         Sharing best local, regional and international practices and/or experiences in successfully combating vulnerable road user deaths and injuries; and

·         Highlighting solutions to reduce the perpetuation of high vulnerable road user death and injury rates.

For more information and details about being involved please download this first announcement.