Every Accident is One Too Many Every Accident is One ... - UNECE

Chapter 1
cyclists do not enjoy the protection afforded to those
seated in cars. The approach speed in any collision
between cars and ‘soft’ road users cannot exceed 30-40
km/hr if pedestrians/cyclists are to have a good chance
of survival. Where greater speed is required, the longterm
objective must be to change/construct roads with a
view to avoiding collisions altogether.
• Development and improvement of passive safety in cars,
including crumple zones and airbags, as well as greater
use of seatbelts and cycling helmets.
The quality and availability of first-aid, health care,
and rehabilitation
The following are examples of steps which may be taken to
optimise first aid and emergency care:
• Improvements to emergency services
• Development of emergency efforts, directly at the scene
of the accident and at the hospital
• Improvements to long-term care and rehabilitation for
victims of road accidents
Redistribution of responsibilities and roles
Today, road users are usually held responsible for road
accidents. As we recognise that road users will continue to
make mistakes and deliberate transgressions, it becomes
necessary to discuss new areas of responsibility and roles
for those stakeholders and players who design, construct,
and operate road and traffic systems.
The objective must be to have our road and traffic systems
designed and constructed in a manner which prevents
serious accidents. Such an objective has an impact on road
construction, legislation, car design, etc.
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