The Legend of Zero: The Prospect of an Accident-Free Zone

This article describes Vision Zero, a resolution passed in 1995 by the European Union in which road deaths would be halved in member countries by 2010 and ultimately, that no European citizen is killed or seriously injured in road accidents. The article first looks at how Vision Zero has been successful in Sweden, where the per capita death rate is one tenth of that in the countries with the highest death statistics. Some of the ways in which Vision Zero has been implemented include the installation of median guard rails on small roads, creating roundabouts to reduce speed levels, and the use passive safety developments in vehicles. Other technological developments include experimental cars equipped with a combined breathalyzer lock, seatbelt lock, and special ignition key, Electronic Stability Program. The article also emphasizes how Vision Zero can be further promoted on a human perspective through enforcing laws and educating the public. The article concludes with a look at how Vision Zero can perhaps have the greatest returns on investment in developing countries and the newer EU member states.