Latest road safety research reports now available from the EU Road Safety Observatory

New reports on road safety in the EU are now available from the European Road Safety Observatory (ERSO), covering the latest data, trends, and analysis on several groups of vulnerable road users. These research publications are part of a series of 20 thematic reports that provide qualitative analysis and topic overviews to assist policymakers in decision-making. The latest reports examine the trends and factors affecting road safety for vulnerable users, particularly children, cyclists, pedestrians, and users of powered two-wheelers (mopeds and motorcycles).

The reports consistently highlight the higher vulnerability of non-motorised road users in urban areas, with a disproportionately high number of fatalities in these areas for children (46 % of total fatalities) and pedestrians (73 %), compared to the average for all road users (38 %). 

Additionally, recommendations to reduce fatalities among vulnerable users are consistent across the reports, focusing on infrastructure improvements, protective equipment, and vehicle design. Examples of suggested infrastructure improvements include:

• Traffic-calming measures, such as school streets, pedestrianised and one-way streets, speed humps, and lower speed limits;
• Physical separation of pedestrians and cyclists from traffic, including dedicated cycle lanes and wider pavements;
• Improving road surface quality, which includes selecting suitable materials, clear road markings, removing obstacles from roads, and regular maintenance and repair.

In addition to the thematic reports, the ERSO provides analytical studies on the regional distribution of road crashes, single-vehicle crashes, and serious injuries. It also includes country profiles and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the progress of each Member State in reducing deaths and serious injuries on EU roads. Monitoring road safety progress, exchanging information and best practices between Member States, and implementing ambitious policies to reduce the vulnerability of road users will be essential to achieving the EU's “Vision Zero” target of zero road deaths by 2050.

The complete collection of 20 thematic reports, along with country profiles, KPIs, and further data and analysis, can be accessed on the ERSO website: European Road Safety Observatory - European Commission (europa.eu)

Author: Andrew King

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.