10 RACE measures to reduce road casualties

RACE insists on the need for a State-level pact due to the increase in traffic accidents recorded during this holiday period.

RACE wants action to be taken on the matter because of the rise in road deaths during this summer’s journeys. The figures have only gone up, which calls into question all the safety and monitoring systems, such as speed cameras.

These new figures are intolerable, which is why RACE is looking for a solution based on a State-level pact so that political forces make road safety a genuinely top priority.

This summer has ended with more traffic accidents and road deaths than last year. The data are as follows: 250 deaths between 1 July and 31 August, an increase of 15% compared with 2017. These figures are a step backwards; in fact, to find similar statistics we have to go back to 2011, that is, 7 years ago.

One of the main reasons for this increase is the rise in traffic volume, combined with older cars that are less well maintained and suffer breakdowns.

At a time when the car seems to be more demonised than ever by the media, especially because of its impact on pollution, diesel bans and so on, these figures do nothing to calm public opinion.

RACE proposes changes to alter this worrying situation. There are 10 measures which, according to them, would help reduce the number of fatal accidents exponentially:

More investment in maintenance and the creation of infrastructure

1. Analyse the state of infrastructure and implement an urgent plan against high-risk sections and black spots. Improve signage, road surfaces, grip…

Promote the use of safer roads

2. Promote and encourage the use of motorways through measures that divert traffic from conventional roads, where 70% of fatal accidents occur, to these routes.

Creation and launch of an Urban Plan to reduce accidents

3. More than half of road accidents in Spain occur in urban areas, many of them involving vulnerable road users. A plan with objectives, measures and deadlines is therefore needed.

Extension of the PIVE scrappage scheme to cover the used-car market

4. Buying a new and more modern car means more safety and less pollution. Unfortunately, even though unemployment has fallen, average wages still make it very difficult for citizens to invest in a new vehicle. These aids could turn the situation around.

Reduction of VAT on safety and maintenance

5. Reduce VAT on accessories and safety maintenance (currently taxed at 21%). Using a child seat, a helmet, or ESP in the car saves lives… All these items should be accessible to everyone; they should not be a luxury.

Road education and safety on school journeys

6. As the school year is about to begin, demand road education with resources, syllabuses and trainers, including a “Safe School Route” plan with the parents’ associations (AMPAs).

Special attention to preventing accidents involving vulnerable vehicles such as motorcycles

7. Two-wheeled users (motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles), as well as pedestrians, are experiencing a rise in accident rates. A plan addressing this situation is requested.

Increase awareness campaigns with civil society

8. Distraction, maintenance, restraint systems… Preventive and awareness-raising actions must be promoted, involving civil society and companies for this purpose.

Training as the cornerstone for making drivers safer

9. Promote and encourage training, whether in occupational risk prevention or advanced techniques, to refresh and reinforce driving knowledge and skills.

Road Safety as a State matter: a Social Pact

10. And of course, Road Safety as a priority at the highest level: the State, the Presidency of the Government and Ministers, Parliament, the opposition… and the involvement of the media.

    Beyond these measures, what is clear is that the first thing that must change is drivers’ own awareness, especially regarding substance abuse at the wheel.