WHO launches new pedestrian safety manual
The World Health Organization has launched a new pedestrian safety manual developed to help provide guidance on how to address risk factors which many road users encounter.
The WHO manual entitled: “Pedestrian safety: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners,” obtained by the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, stresses on the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach that includes engineering, enforcement and behavioural measures.
The manual amongst others discusses issues facing vulnerable road users and interventions that have been found effective in improving the lot of the pedestrian.
Case studies are used in the manual to illustrate several key elements needed to successfully implement pedestrian safety measures including: the importance of political leadership at multiple administrative levels, the involvement and contribution of multiple stakeholders.
The WHO, the World Bank, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Foundation and the Global Road Safety Partnership have been collaborating on a series of “how to” manuals over the last seven years which cover key issues identified in the World report on road traffic injury prevention.
This four-organization partnership has produced the following manuals: helmets (2006); drinking and driving (2007); speed management (2008); seat-belts and child restraints (2009); and data systems (2009).
The manual would be promoted during the Second United Nations Global Road Safety Week to be held from May 6-12, which is dedicated to pedestrian safety.
The week would amongst others aim at promoting the need for pedestrian safety; generating action on measures which work to increase pedestrian safety; and achieving the goal of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 to save 5 million lives.
Source: GNA