The OECD and ECMT have published a joint report on speed management setting out key recommendations for combating excessive and inappropriate speed, the cause of up to one third of fatal crashes in many countries. The report is the culmination of two years work carried out by a group of experts in speed management strategies from OECD and ECMT member countries.
Speeding is found to be the number one road safety problem in many countries. Typically, at any time 50% of drivers are above the speed limits. The report finds that not only is excessive speeding a factor in a high proportion of road crashes, but high vehicle speeds also contribute towards increased greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption and noise pollution. An effective speed management plan can help address the issue of appropriate speeds as well as well as taking in to account mobility and economic needs and environmental requirements.
The report identifies several areas where action can be taken towards establishing successful speed management strategies. The first relates to an assessment of appropriate speed for different road types along with a review of existing speed limits, taking into account road function, traffic composition and road design. Basic infrastructure improvements can also be made which by their “self explaining” nature will guide drivers in choosing the appropriate speed.
Other effective speed management measures outlined by the report include ensuring sufficient levels of traditional police enforcement as well as automated speed control such as the use of mobile cameras. The report states that “tolerance levels for speed limit excedence should be set at a minimum (e.g. 5%)” and violation of the speed limits should be backed up by effective enforcement.
Advances in vehicle engineering and technology, such as cruise control devices and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can also contribute towards speed control and collision avoidance. As such progressive implementation of the technologies is encouraged on a cost–effective basis.
Overall the report recommends that the best approach to speed management is one that takes in to account all of the above whilst taking into consideration the nature of the roads and the current road safety performance in the country where it is being implemented.
For more information on the OECD/ECMT joint report on speed management see:
www.cemt.org/JTRC/WorkingGroups/SpeedManagement/index.htm