IRU calls for more training, the use of new technologies and standardised speed limits to address the issue of speed management. While professional drivers, themselves, are trained in responsible driving, better awareness of the characteristics of commercial vehicles amongst other road users would significantly improve road safety.
IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, says,
“Managing speed has the potential to save millions of lives. The key is better training, as 85-90 percent of accidents are due to human behaviour. We also need to ensure that there is shared responsibility across all vehicle types and amongst all road users. Every accident is one accident too many.”
The Fourth UN Global Road Safety Week took place from 8-14 May 2017, focusing on speed management and what can be done to address this key risk factor for road traffic deaths and injuries. Speed contributes to up to a half of all fatal road accidents.