Every year an estimated 1.25 million people die IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE because of road traffic crashes, and millions more Put in place bicycle and motorcycle lanes are injured. The World Health Organization has Traditionally, road infrastructure has focused mainly 2 synthesized evidence-based measures that can on motorized transport - often at the expense of • Plan and develop a network of continuous and significantly reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries. safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. safe routes for cyclists and motorcyclists and Today most countries, while promoting walking manage any interaction with other road users in The result is Save LIVES: a package of 6 strategies to and cycling, have not developed infrastructure a safe manner. reduce injuries and deaths from road traffic crashes. that reduces the risk of road traffic injuries, and • Plan for facilities both on the road and on the pedestrians and cyclists are forced to share the road pavement according to safe design principles with high-speed vehicles. that are appropriate to the speed and function of the road. SOLUTIONS

Governments should prioritize updating road design standards and ensure that new roads are planned, designed and operated according The components of the Save LIVES package are: to safety standards. Among these interventions Speed management, Leadership, Infrastructure government should: design, Vehicle safety standards, Enforcement of Make the sides of the roads safer traffic laws andS urvival after a crash. Provide safe infrastructure for all road users 3 1 • Create rumble strips and other warnings about • Build sidewalks and install safe signalized crossings curves to alert drivers they are leaving the road. This flyer summarizesINFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN indicating pedestrian right of way. • Put in place emergency lanes to help drivers & IMPROVEMENT – one of the six strategies of the • Create pedestrian kerb build-outs, refuge islands recover control when they leave the road. Save LIVES road safety package. and medians to reduce pedestrian exposure to • Build clear zones, frangible poles and crash vehicles when crossing the street. barriers to reduce crash severity when drivers • Introduce accessible and safe pedestrian leave the road. overpasses and underpasses in risky areas.

INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN & IMPROVEMENT www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/save-lives-package/en/ Design safer intersections Restrict traffic and speed in residential, 4 7 commercial and school zones • Install roundabouts that reduce approach speed and make the angle of any possible collisions • Put in place traffic calming measures such as less likely to cause serious injury. road narrowing, raised platforms and • Build overpasses and underpasses in places with speed bumps and rumble strips. a high volume of traffic. • Install warning signs that alert drivers who exceed • Build signalized intersections to separate traffic the speed limit. and potential conflicts. • Enforce low speed limits in these areas. • Provide turning lanes, raised platform intersections and priority control at uncontrolled intersections.

Provide better, safer routes for Does infrastructure design in your 8 public transport country include safety standards? Assess your country’s Separate access roads from through-roads • Take measures to improve public transport infrastructure design with 5 services, for example, by providing services closer the tool provided in the appendix of the Save LIVES • Separate through traffic and freight from local to residential areas and improving route design. technical package. neighbourhood access and commercial centres. • Improve public transport safety to encourage its use. A road safety technical package

Prioritize people by putting in place 6 vehicle-free zones BENEFITS The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a target to reduce road traffic deaths • Develop and implement policies that recognize and injuries by 50% by 2020. This is an ambitious pedestrians and cyclists as legitimate road users. Infrastructure design and improvement reduces goal that can be achieved only if we work • Set and enforce traffic laws ensuring the safety of road traffic injuries and fatalities, lowers emissions collaboratively to build a culture of road safety. pedestrians and cyclists. - when integrated into speed management • Pay attention to the specific needs of people with strategies - promotes walking and cycling, and disabilities, children and the elderly. facilitates the shift from private car use to public transport. Improving the top 10% highest-risk roads in each country over 20 years can prevent millions of deaths and serious injuries.

INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN & IMPROVEMENT www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/publications/road_traffic/save-lives-package/en/