When You Slow Down, You See More of the Road

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09/02 Elena Borisenko, head of the analytical department of the RS Russia expert center, spoke about the successes that Russian road builders have already achieved in making our routes safe and comfortable, and what problems have not yet been resolved in this area. World class security Assessing the current situation with ensuring road safety on Russian roads, it should be borne in mind that we are a large country and each region has its own specifics in this matter and its differences from other subjects. Speaking about the country as a whole, it is impossible not to note the fact that recently we have done a lot to improve the level of road safety. Over the past 10 years, thanks to the coordinated actions of the traffic police, road workers and other structures on which the state of affairs with ensuring road safety depends, the number of road accident victims has more than halved. In many respects, this positive result was also achieved due to the increase in the technical equipment of our tracks with safety equipment. The condition of the road itself has improved. It is also very important that in recent years we have developed such significant structural programs as the BKD national project and the Road Safety Strategy. They provide us with a solid base to participate in the ongoing worldwide road safety project. This project includes five directions in which every country participating in it, including Russia, should act. First of all, it is the management of road safety, including through laws, regulations, data collection, analytics, the creation and development of organizations responsible for this area. All this is provided for in the Russian strategic programs for the development of road infrastructure. Also, the directions of this project require its participants to bring roads in their countries into a standard state. And this is the key goal of the BKD national project. The next direction is the creation of a fleet of safe cars, and here we are not demonstrating the best performance so far. We have a very large proportion of vehicles older than 10 years, and although we have introduced a new technical inspection system, I cannot yet say that it has had any tangible impact on the situation with the technical condition of cars on our roads. Let's hope that things will change for the better in the foreseeable future. Another area is the education of safe vehicle users. This is the direct sphere of activity of our organization. The implementation of this direction includes the monitoring of drivers, pedestrians, their training, the prevention of accidents and the promotion of safe movement on the roads. In Russia, a large number of regional and federal events are held on this topic, with the task of informing and educating the population. All of them are also part of the profile programs of the BKD national project. And, finally, the fifth direction is assistance to victims of road accidents. For its implementation in Russia, in particular, small aviation is being developed, ambulance cars are being retrofitted, as well as traffic police vehicles, where expanded sets of emergency assistance are laid for victims of accidents. Centers for providing emergency assistance are being formed at the junctions of regions. So we can say that we are working in all five areas. The most successful - for those that coincide with the implementation of the BKD national project, which included programs to improve road safety, and to train safe drivers (new driver training programs are currently being developed), and to develop a nationwide network for providing emergency assistance to victims of accidents. Speed Audit Another important international area of work to improve the level of road safety is the control of speed limits on the roads. In our country, however, the solution to the issue of reducing the non-punishable limit of exceeding the permissible speed limit is still opposed by both the public and many state bodies. In principle, I see some truth in the statements of public figures and government agencies that first you need to audit the roads and bring them into line with the speed limits that are defined for them. After all, indeed, there are cases when obviously lowered speed limits are introduced on certain sections of the road, and it is not clear how they were calculated. Therefore, it makes sense to conduct a survey of our roads and then make decisions on lowering the permissible limits for exceeding and on speed limits in general. But, nevertheless, there is now a worldwide campaign to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h in urban centers. For example, in Paris, on busy streets, this rule has already been introduced at the legislative level. And, most likely, it will continue to spread, both in France and throughout the EU. Dangerous Babies Speaking of risk factors, one cannot fail to mention such a new phenomenon as personal mobility aids (IM), that is, electric scooters and electric bicycles, which have literally flooded the streets of our cities very quickly lately. They have become a real new source of danger on the road, primarily for pedestrians, but also for the SIM users themselves. Unfortunately, we, like the whole world, missed the moment when it was necessary to develop regulatory standards for SIM, eliminating their potential danger. This should have been done at least five years ago, when these dangerous babies were just beginning to appear, and it should have started with rental organizations, which should have been made responsible for ensuring the safety of the operation of the SIMs they leased. Now we have a situation where anyone can take the same electric scooter for the minimum amount and go in any direction and, what is important, in any condition. At the same time, SIM today is no longer an analogue of ordinary scooters, only with an electric motor. This is a very heavy unit, sometimes weighing more than 100 kilograms, capable of accelerating to 100 km / h. That is, the kinetic energy of impact during a collision is very large. At the same time, its user today, by law, is not a driver, but a pedestrian, that is, he can calmly, without breaking the law, move along the sidewalks. A few years ago, we were preparing a draft amendment to the traffic rules regarding the regulation of the use of SIM. It is encouraging that at the recent conference on kicksharing (short-term rental of SIM - ed.), a representative of the Ministry of Transport said that amendments to the traffic rules for SIM are now going through the final stage of approval. So we expect changes in their legal status in the near future. So far, the share of accidents with such vehicles in the total number of road accidents is relatively small. But, firstly, the number of SIMs is growing rapidly, which was also affected by the pandemic. Secondly, in any case, it is impossible to leave a potential source of threat on the road unattended, so the regulation of this area should be started as soon as possible. Ideally, SIM should be placed on separate paths, for example, a bicycle, because they can’t drive on the roadway right now - they are controlled by the one who formally remains a pedestrian. But this issue, of course, will require significant funding, the source of which is still unknown. In principle, given that IMS play a positive role in unloading urban highways, and also, based on the obligation to take measures to ensure the safety of residents, this should be done by municipalities. But the participation of companies - manufacturers, sellers and distributors of SIM should also be considered. Rescue Technologies Separately, I would like to touch on the topic of the current level of equipping Russian roads with technical safety equipment. In Russia, a lot of highways are equipped with cameras for photo-video recording and monitoring the traffic situation. So far, a significant part of the purchases of this equipment is carried out by state organizations, in particular, within the framework of the Safe City program, in order to scale it up and increase efficiency. Unfortunately, in this area we are still heavily dependent on foreign suppliers of components for such systems, since their production in Russia has not yet received strong development. For this reason, there are certain problems in the maintenance of such systems. But the number of cameras is growing rapidly. Financial flows to the budgets of the regions from fines issued for violations recorded by these devices are also growing. At the same time, the level of safety on the roads also increases, because they try to install cameras, first of all, on those sections of roads that have already proven themselves to be dangerous. Separately, I note this point: over the past year, the installation of photo-video recording systems is less and less entrusted to private companies precisely because they set their main goal not to prevent accidents and identify real violators, but to make a profit. Recently, photo-video recording systems have also received a mobile version. They are equipped with traffic police patrol cars. There are also mobile road laboratories that control the correct parameters of road signs, note damage to the roadway and the coefficient of adhesion of tires to the road surface, and monitor compliance with road lighting standards. An important part of equipping roads with traffic safety equipment remains such structures as barrier and cable lane dividers. These designs help to prevent frontal collisions and generally reduce the severity of the consequences of an accident, especially on highways. Their installation is carried out based on the results of an analytical assessment and forecasting of the potential accident rate of road sections. Such work, for example, is actively carried out by the TsODD of Moscow, similar structures in other cities, as well as departments for the operation of the road sector, are engaged in the same activity.
29/12 The main idea of the Campaign is to develop a safe road space by increasing the responsibility and understanding of risks among pedestrians as well as drivers. The main message of the Campaign was that the pedestrian is the freest road user. Road safety rules are a tool that helps the pedestrian to exercise their freedom safely by continuing to walk. Knowledge of the rules of the road, compliance with the norms of the culture of interaction on the road can make the pedestrian path truly convenient and safe. Based on the analysis of statistical data, key problems and main risk factors for citizens of all ages were identified, and awareness-raising activities of the “Your move! Campaign” were aimed at them. A pedestrian". Particular attention was paid to such issues as crossing the road outside the pedestrian crossing area; safe behavior at unregulated pedestrian crossings and when moving along the roadside; crossing the road by a pedestrian in a place where the driver does not expect to meet him; teaching children the rules and norms of safety for pedestrians; explaining to older people the key aspects of road safety; development of a culture of using reflective elements to improve the visibility of pedestrians in difficult weather conditions, at night, and others. The All-Russian Social Campaign 2021 was launched in the regions where, following the results of 2019-2020, there was an increase in the number of accidents with pedestrians. Events in online and offline formats were held with the participation of residents of 15 regions of Russia: Astrakhan, Arkhangelsk, Vladimir, Vologda, Kirov, Magadan, Omsk, Penza, Tver, Yaroslavl regions, the city of Sevastopol, the republics of Buryatia, Tyva, North Ossetia-Alania and Yamalo- Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Campaign events were held in two periods - summer (June-August) and autumn (September-November). As part of the program, more than 3,430 events were held with a total coverage of more than 130,000 participants (more than 80,000 adults and more than 50,000 young road users). As a result of the Campaign, a sociological study was conducted in the form of face-to-face interviews with 2,350 respondents in 8 federal districts of Russia. The effect of the Campaign, according to respondents, is positive: 91% of respondents noted that the program had a positive impact on their compliance with traffic rules as a pedestrian, and 82% - as a driver. Despite the complexity of the work during the pandemic, it was possible to maintain a high level of awareness about retroreflective elements. 91% of respondents in Russia and 87% in the regions know about them. 71% of parents use reflective elements to ensure the safety of child pedestrians in Russia and 75% in the regions. As a result of the Campaign, drivers began to pay more attention to compliance with traffic rules. In particular, they noted that they began to let pedestrians pass more often at an unregulated pedestrian crossing (Russia: 62%; Regions: 55%); they began to slow down when approaching a pedestrian crossing, even if there are no pedestrians on it at that moment (71% of drivers in Russia and 76% in the regions); began to wear a seat belt more often when traveling (Russia and the Regions: 82%). The Campaign recorded a high level of seat belt use in both the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, as well as a level of awareness that the seat belt saves lives and health. Almost all respondents (95%) consider the campaign “Your move! Pedestrian” is useful and speak in favor of the need to continue conducting information campaigns on the topic of pedestrian safety (97%). In combination with other measures, the Campaign had a significant impact on reducing the accident rate. The number of accidents involving pedestrians in 11 months of 2021 decreased by 8.5% compared to the same period in 2020. The number of accidents that occurred due to the fault of drivers decreased by 8.4%, by 12% due to the fault of pedestrians. Vadim Melnikov, General Director of the Expert Center “Movement without Danger”: “This year's All-Russian Social Campaign was aimed at the least protected category of road users - pedestrians. When the Campaign was being developed, we noticed that a pedestrian is the freest road user. If the driver moves along the carriageway, the passenger follows the route along which he is being driven, then the pedestrian is free in his actions. The events of the Campaign, which took place in fifteen regions of our country, drew the attention of citizens to the basics of road safety, which make the movement of pedestrians comfortable and safe.”
22/12 Yelabuga, Tatarstan, Russia, December 22, 2021 - Sollers Ford announces the launch of an updated online version of the Ford Safe Driving Academy - a free unique training program designed to increase knowledge of road safety. To date, the Academy team has accumulated a unique expertise and methodology for the theoretical and practical training of beginners and professional drivers in a live format, which is now reflected in the online version of the training program. Ford's Virtual Safe Driving Academy is an educational program based on many years of experience with various categories of drivers. The project serves an important purpose - to draw public attention to road safety issues, and also provides an opportunity to get important knowledge on safe driving for free to the widest possible audience and thereby contribute to Russia's strategy to reduce the accident rate and achieve zero deaths on the country's roads. The project partner is the Driving Without Danger Expert Center (hereinafter referred to as RBS), with the support of which more than 8,000 drivers have already been trained free of charge at the Academy in 17 regions of Russia. Over the past years, the Academy has gained recognition from the expert community and proved its relevance by annually conducting trainings for beginners and professional drivers. The 7th training season took place in October 2021 for 200 ambulance drivers in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The virtual training program was developed by a team that included experts from the Academy, RBS, coaches and racing drivers - winners of Russian and international competitions, holders of the international certificate RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and the Austrian "Test and Training". When adapting the program, the natural, climatic and road conditions of Russia were taken into account, as well as statistics related to road accidents and key risk factors when driving. Anyone can study at the Virtual Academy - the program is designed for those who are interested in traffic and automotive topics. The main audience - drivers - beginners and experienced, amateurs and professional carriers - those who plan to obtain or already have category B rights to drive cars and small trucks. Taking an online road safety course will also be useful for those who act as passengers, as well as for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers of personal mobility devices (scooters, hoverboards, etc.), thanks to training they will be able to better understand those who drive a vehicle and as a result, they can adjust their behavior on the road. Increasing the level of mutual understanding between road users and the culture of behavior on the road is one of the most important areas of work in the framework of the prevention of road accidents, and therefore, special attention was paid to this topic as part of the training. 12 thematic blocks on key safety issues are included in the training program: seat belt and passive protection in the car; child restraint and transportation of children; alcohol intoxication, sober driver; reaction and response time of the driver; choice of distance; car preparation; blind spots; safe driving techniques; overtaking; movement in winter conditions, main aspects; braking technique (reception); maneuvering in a limited space; driving culture. Training in the Virtual Academy can be done individually or with the whole family, including involving children and teenagers, since the interactive format and game mechanics make immersion in the subject of road safety an exciting process. The project website is designed as an interactive illustration with different locations. After registering on the site, the user gets access to the lessons of the online academy. Training consists of two blocks: "Theory" and "Practice". By selecting one or another site on the map of the Academy, the user will be able to gain knowledge on one of 12 topics and watch a training video. Next, the user passes quiz tests to consolidate the material covered. In the course of training, after some lessons, users will open four mini-games on the topics covered. After completing the Academy course, each user will receive a personalized certificate that can be shared on social networks. Project hashtag #virtualacademyford Ford Virtual Security Academy is based on a specially designed site adapted for mobile devices, so training can be done from the screen of various electronic devices (computers, tablets, laptops, phones, etc.). Training in the Virtual Academy allows you to acquire knowledge that will help road users better navigate the road in all situations and minimize the likelihood of an accident. Become a member of the project - https://dsflford.ru About the Ford Driving Skills for Life global project The Ford Safe Driving Academy is a social initiative of the Ford Motor Company Fund, implemented by Ford Sollers as part of the Ford Driving Skills for Life global project, aimed at improving driving skills and reducing the number of accidents on the roads. The Ford Driving Skills for global social program has been running in the US since 2003, has been implemented in Europe since 2013, and in Russia since 2014. Ford Driving Skills for Life is the first project in the history of the automotive industry to provide free