The laureates included associations, businesses both large and small, local authorities and a research institute, all of which are recognised by the European Road Safety Charter for their innovative efforts to drive down traffic-related deaths.

While the successful French entry was honoured for helping municipalities implement their own tailor-made road safety actions, the Hungarian winner was picked for its interactive, professional educational approach to instil responsibility among drivers of two-wheelers.

The two Spanish winners included a project that tackled traffic and has made it safer for children to walk to school, while the other focused on implementing a comprehensive company-wide road safety strategy.  

The UK bid was rewarded for raising the profile and effectiveness of Community Speedwatch, a national initiative whereby local volunteers monitor car speeds in coordination with the police.

The Slovenian initiative, which targeted young people who drink and drive, did particularly well. Not only was it chosen for its media savvy “Heroes drive in pyjamas” campaign to motivate parents to give their partying youngsters rides, but it also received an audience award dedicated to former European Commissioner for Transport Jacques Barrot.

The winners offer a promise for positive change amid sobering statistics that indicate progress in improving safety has largely stagnated in recent years.

In 2017, 25 300 people lost their lives on Europe’s roads – despite being considered the world’s safest. While that is a slight improvement over the previous year’s 25 500 deaths, this is not in line with the ambitious 50 % fatality reduction target the EU set for this decade.

Silent killer

“It’s simply hard to understand that for so long it was socially acceptable to coexist with this silent killer,” said Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc who handed out the awards in the prestigious Solvay Library in Brussels.

During a high-powered panel discussion, Bulc addressed the Commission’s ‘Third Mobility Package’, calling it a step forward for society. Specific to road safety, it includes a new 2021-2030 policy framework, an action plan, two legislative initiatives and a strategy for automated mobility.

“You can now feel that you’re part of a movement and I believe that is something that is really important,” she said.

Commissioner Bulc also highlighted the EU’s long-term goal of ‘Vision Zero’ – close to no fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents by 2050 – as well as what she described as the ambitious yet achievable interim target of halving such casualties between 2020 and 2030.

“Now is the time for strong delivery,” she said.

Panel pushes for action

Karima Delli, who chairs the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, agreed. “It is high time for Europe to address road safety more seriously,” she said. “We need to adopt really ambitious legislation on road safety before the end of this mandate.”

David Ward, secretary general of the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), described the Third Mobility Package road safety proposals as “superb”. “My advice now is go for the fastest possible implementation and don’t listen too hard to people who say this is a little bit too difficult,” he said.

Jean Todt, the United Nations special envoy for road safety, praised Bulc’s “very strong” leadership and said European countries have been doing an excellent job.

However, addressing the situation around the world, he noted an “unacceptable discrepancy” in funding to fight road deaths and injuries. “If you speak about other pandemics like malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis – you have billions which are dedicated for that,” Todt said.

Generating resources for a recently established UN road safety fund would be an important step towards remedying the situation, he added.

Collaboration is key

In closing, Bulc urged the audience to push for road safety at the ballot box next year.

“Put this topic on the agenda for European elections. This matters and voters matter, so don’t be shy. Because we need you as well – it’s a collaboration.”