Road safety as a public health problem - report of the 4th Annual PIN Conference

Winners of the 2010 PIN Award are Ireland and Estonia, both countries having shown most effort and results on reducing road deaths. Representatives from both countries were present to receive the award and to showcase their actions taken. Moreover, speakers from the 2008 PIN Award winners, Latvia and Spain, gave a presentation on their current situation and the way forward.

Various speakers highlighted the importance of a health perspective on road safety by focusing not only on road deaths but also on serious injuries caused by traffic accidents, and on post-accident care. Whereas it is desired to see road safety as a public health problem, a need for more and better cooperation with relevant stakeholders from the health sector was emphasized.

As alcohol remains one of the main issues in road safety, tackling drink-driving was addressed by all countries present. Although an absolute reduction remained the main goal, specific targets were not always outlined. A priority in this area was the establishment of a common definition of drink-driving and accidents related to alcohol, which would make reporting across the EU more feasible. Isabelle Kardacz, Head of the Road Safety Union in DG MOVE, was asked to take action on the harmonization of such definitions, as well as on a more active enforcement of current legislation. She also highlighted the need to integrate road safety into other policy areas, such as public health.

Another area of concern was drug-driving, which is increasing noticeably among young drivers. Until now no clear guidelines and measures are present on the use of drugs when driving, since the risks are less well-known compared to alcohol. A need for more research, as well as harmonization of the standards is needed in order to establish concrete interventions.

Overall, it was concluded that although considerable progress has been made, there is no room for complacency and challenging targets should be set to further reduce the number of road deaths and injuries. An important step to be taken on EU level is the harmonization of definitions on drink-driving, drug-driving and traffic injuries.

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