Mon-Fri: 8am-5:30pm | Sat: 8am-1pm

TALK TO AN EXPERT

MENU

PRACTICE AREAS

Can Road Deaths be Eliminated on Oregon Roads?

Portland auto accident attorneyToday it is an ambitious plan: Road to Zero. Managed by the National Safety Council (NSC) and backed by a coalition of more than 40 organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the American Automobile Association (AAA), Road to Zero plans to end roadway deaths by 2050.

It is the first time so many groups have collaborated to address motor vehicle fatalities, which have been on the rise across the country since 2011.

Is zero road deaths possible?

In a report by the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution established in 1947, Road to Zero identifies three initiatives as a start.

  • Concentrate on what works, through proven, evidence-based strategies.
  • Promote the latest in life-saving technology in vehicles and infrastructure.
  • Prioritize safety by adopting a safe systems approach and creating a positive safety culture.

“We demand 100 percent safe operations in aviation, marine, pipeline, rail and transit,’’ said NSC President Deborah A.P. Hersman. “We should cultivate a corresponding societal demand for safe roads. Getting to zero fatalities is not impossible – it just hasn’t been done yet.’’

The report, A Road to Zero: A Vision for Achieving Zero Roadway Deaths by 2050, was released earlier this year in the midst of national discussions about motor vehicle safety issues including automated vehicles, infrastructure investments, distracted driving, and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

In the short term, the coalition stresses enforcing and strengthening current traffic safety laws, especially when it comes to speeding and texting, as well as providing new resources for traffic safety researchers and supporting those who design and build roads and vehicles.

While the coalition notes that widespread use of fully automated vehicles remains decades away, accelerating the benefits of new technologies by creating partnerships between public safety and health groups and industry professionals is a current target.

“The safe systems approach has saved lives in other countries,” said Lisa Ecola, a senior policy analyst for RAND.

Sweden is an example of safety over speed

“Sweden reduced the number of traffic deaths by more than half since the approach was introduced in 1997,” Ecola continued. “This shows that we in the United States can make large strides in traffic safety with existing technologies and policies.’’

Sweden’s plan is called “Vision Zero.’’ “We simply do not accept any deaths or injuries on our roads,’’ said Hanks Berg of Sweden’s national transport agency. Planning has played the biggest part in reducing accidents, according to The Economist.

Roads in Sweden are built to prioritize safety over speed or convenience. There are low urban speeds, pedestrian zones and barriers that separate cars from bicycles and oncoming vehicles. The next step, according to Swedish officials, is to try to reduce human error even further, like adding warning alerts for speeding or unbuckled seatbelts in cars. The future begins now.

If someone else’s negligence caused your traffic accident, contact Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys at Law. Your personal injury consultation is free and confidential.

Latest Posts

Archives

Free Injury Case Evaluation

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Practice Areas

Environmental Factors in Auto Accident Settlement Negotiations: Considering Climate and Infrastructure

In the event of an auto accident, how much of the damage can be placed on the bad weather? How liable are you for...

Understanding No-Fault Insurance in Oregon: How It Impacts Auto Accident Claims

Understanding no-fault insurance in Oregon is essential for drivers, especially in the event of an auto accident....

What’s the Role of Dashcams in Auto Accident Cases?

With clear video evidence, insurers can assess and process claims more efficiently and reduce the time it takes to resolve disputes....

Challenges and Strategies in Hit-and-Run Auto Accident Cases

Dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Oregon presents unique challenges, from identifying the fleeing driver to dealing with insurance complexities. Our article provides insights...

Liability for Slip and Falls in Hotel Bathrooms and Restrooms: Special Considerations

At Zbinden & Curtis Attorneys At Law, we would like to help clients understand the risks of hotel bathrooms, their rights when accidents occur,...

Recent News & Updates: Oregon’s Protocols for Slip and Fall Cases

Stay updated on Oregon's evolving courtroom protocols for slip and fall cases. Learn how leveraging modern technology can bolster your personal injury claim with...