The comfort of road vehicles has evolved significantly. Most features that make driving comfortable are now available with the touch of a button, or at the ease of a voice command. Not just a comfortable ride, the world of transport has shifted greatly to focus on the needs of the environment as well, with sustainability top of mind for most - if not all - automotive manufacturers.
However, there is one constant when developing and improving how we travel on the road - safety. A focus on safety is at the centre of every aspect of a road vehicle, where identifying and mitigating risks is essential for daily use.
Road traffic safety (RTS) around the world
With an estimate of 1.35 million deaths from road traffic crashes each year and road traffic injuries being the lead cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years1, road traffic safety (RTS) is a major concern globally.
Road traffic safety includes the measurements and processes in place to prevent road users from injury or death. The Safe System approach considers principles for road safety management that prioritises health and safety when using transportation. The Safe System model consists of four main elements2:
1. Safe roads and roadsides
2. Safe speeds
3. Safe vehicles
4. Safe road users
To reduce the impacts of road traffic related risks, it is important that a standardised and comprehensive approach is accepted and implemented through organisations and governments worldwide.
To guide best practice in RTS management, ISO 39001 was developed. This international Standard aims to assist organisations to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with injury or death on roads and identifies components of an RTS management system that can enable an organisation to reach its RTS targets and results.