Improving Road Safety
in the OIC Member States
50
driving hours; etc. A key concept in this thinking is the idea of a road network classification
whereby speed limits are the logical result of the relationship between the function, form and
use of the road. The Dutch Sustainable Safety system (Koornstra et al., 1992; Schermers, 1999;
Schermers & Vliet, 2001; Wegman & Aarts, 2006) relies on five principles which have been
interpreted in functional requirements for each of the defined road categories (through roads,
distributor roads and access roads in rural areas and distributor and access roads in urban
areas). Each of these road categories has its own speed regime (120/100; 80 and 60 km/h in
rural areas and 50 and 30 km/h in urban areas) which is the logical result of the interaction
between the different road users and conflict types that can be expected or that occur. Such a
road network incorporates safe design features, network structure and unique elements that
make the road types clearly distinguishable to road users; and whereby they know what type of
road it is, the speed limit, what interactions to expect and what types of road users and
behaviours to expect.
4.3.2 Control over vehicles using the road network
This aspect relates to the conditions under which vehicles can safely make use of the road
network. The country is to set safety standards and rules and control these to ensure that
vehicles on its roads continually meet these safety standards.
Making certain safety features compulsory to vehicles using the road network, lobbying
manufacturers to provide standard safety features, prohibiting certain vehicles, campaigning
among potential buyers to buy vehicles with higher safety ratings etc. are all actions that are
supportive of the concept of safer vehicles.
The current vehicle quality control system in place provide for annual roadworthiness testing
of the commercial classes of vehicles, but other vehicles are only tested for roadworthiness at a
change of hands.
4.3.3 Control of road users using the road network
This aspect concerns specifically the conditions which determine how road users can safely
move around the road network. Interventions typically set the safety standards and rules and
continuing compliance requirements that will ensure the safety of the individual concerned but
also that of fellow road users.
4.3.4 Treatment of road crash victims on the road network
This relates specifically the recovery and treatment of crash victims from the roads after a crash.
It concerns fast and efficient emergency response, minimizing travel time to the scene, efficient
and correct diagnosis of trauma and stabilization if victims at the scene, fast and efficient
transport to a hospital/treatment centre, effective emergency and trauma care and eventual
rehabilitation.