Pedestrian protection, speed enforcement and road network structure the key action for implementing Poland's Vision Zero

Since 1991 Poland's road safety has been systematically improving with a 60% reduction in road deaths. Despite the progress Poland continues to be one of the European Union’ worst performing countries. The country's main road safety problems remain unchanged: dangerous behaviour of road users, underdeveloped system of road safety management and low quality of road infrastructure. This is why subsequent road safety programmes (implemented over the 20 years) were designed to improve pedestrian safety, reduce speeding and treat sources of roadside hazards. The article gives a short diagnosis of Poland's road safety, evaluates its subsequent road safety programmes called GAMBIT 1996, GAMBIT 2000 and GAMBIT 2005 with its far-reaching Vision Zero just as in a number of countries. The main road safety problems that Poland must solve are identified. A risk-based road safety management method is outlined. An overview is given of a method for estimating fatalities in Poland as a road safety management tool. At its strategic level, the fatality estimation method uses models built on an analysis of 60 countries worldwide and calibrates them to Polish conditions. It puts special emphasis on pedestrian safety, speed management and the design and construction of safety road infrastructure. Finally, selected examples are presented to show the effectiveness of the measures and recommended actions to reduce Poland's road deaths.

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