Antonio Avenoso, Executive Director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)

"To improve the level of road safety within the European Union, a renewed effort is necessary.  The latest figures tell us that the European Union will most likely not reach its target by 2010. This is why it is so important to thoroughly work on the next Road Safety Action Programme.

ETSC has already published its so-called blueprint for the European Road Safety Action Programme in which we propose a new vision, new target and new strategy!

In terms of targets, ETSC proposes a new 40% reduction target between 2011 and 2020 however we would also like the 4th Road Safety Action Programme to concentrate on the problem of severe injuries. Road deaths are only the tip of the iceberg! Many Europeans suffer from disabling and long-term injuries as a consequence of road accidents. Here, we would like to see a common reduction target between the member states of the number of severe injuries.

In terms of strategy, the forthcoming Road Safety Action Programme should look at the main causes of road deaths linked to driver behavior. Here we would like to look at speeding, drink driving, the non-use of seatbelts and child restraint systems. But let’s not forget about poorly designed infrastructure and vehicle improvement.

Moreover, it should not neglect important and emerging trends such as the demographic challenge of an aging society as well as the increasing number of two-wheelers.

Forward thinking and planning are very important. The 4th Road Safety Action Programme would cover the period between 2011 and 2020 so there is very little time left to get this ready by January 2011. Let’s act now!"