Intelligent Transport Systems Advance Vision Zero Road Safety

Adopting whole-system approaches enables safe and sustainable mobility for all.

Monday, October 5, 2020

The following article introduces a series exploring how intelligent transport systems can be applied to progress toward the goal of Vision Zero—zero fatalities and serious injuries in the worldwide road transportation system. The Swedish Parliament adopted Vision Zero in 1997, recognizing that serious injury and death are not acceptable consequences of mobility. Articles in the series will address aspects of safe transport systems, including an evidence-based assessment framework, a crash review and response methodology, safe people, safe vehicles, and safe spaces.

Viewing each intelligent transport system (ITS) within the broad context of a transport system—considering people, processes, infrastructure, vehicles, and technology with associated data—is already standard practice in some parts of the world but a relatively new concept in others. This article explores the ITS whole-system approach in the United Kingdom (UK), where it was established more than two decades ago. The UK approach and use cases from the United Kingdom and Australia provide guidance for application as countries and communities seek to implement effective road safety according to Vision Zero. ITS can become part of the Vision Zero road safety solution.