Heritage Forum

Safe Swedish traffic

Mar 25, 2014 | Forum, News

Swedish roads and Swedish cities are the safest in the world for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.  In spite of the number of cars and kilometres driven in Sweden having doubled since 1970, road deaths have been reduced by more than 80%.  New York and other cities are now attempting to follow the Swedish example. According to the head of the national transport agency in Sweden, the major part of their success is due to planning.

Sweden_Cycling_LaneSwedish roads and Swedish cities are the safest in the world for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.  In spite of the number of cars and kilometres driven in Sweden having doubled since 1970, road deaths have been reduced by more than 80%.  New York and other cities are now attempting to follow the Swedish example.

According to The Economist of 26 February 2014, the head of the national transport agency in Sweden ascribes the major part of their success to planning. Low speed restrictions in urban areas, pedestrian zones and protection of cyclists against approaching traffic have contributed towards the reduction in accidents, injuries and deaths.  So did broad pedestrian protection by means of zebra crossings, flashing lights and speed bumps, supported by strict law enforcement.  During 2012, only one child had died in a traffic accident in Sweden.

Swedish authorities aim to reduce road deaths and serious injuries in Sweden to nil. The aim, in other words, is that no child or adult must suffer serious injury or death in a traffic accident in Sweden. Breath tests for alcohol, alarm systems for exceeding speed limits, and other aids are already being tested in Swedish cars, as well as ways of speeding up the implementation of safety systems in cars and on roads.

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