Mission Zero is a scheme for accident prevention defining solutions on how to reach the target of zero road fatalities which is aimed by the Vision Zero guideline. The Mission aims for a holistic approach: Designing safer infrastructure while shifting the Modal Split towards a better balance for pedestrians, bicyclists and users of public transport systems on long-term. In practice, this means that road traffic in general has to be reduced in dense urban areas in order to create a safe system for all city dwellers.
Mission Zero consists of six parts to equally take action at:
1. Political Willingness 2. Data 3. Infrastructure 4. Behavioural Change 5. Services 6. Innovation & Technology
Political Willingness is the basis of changes in road traffic. Setting and enforcing laws related to key risks of traffic accidents is the main goal.
Push policy makers: start referendums and petitions on road safety
Enforce stricter traffic laws: reduce speed limits within cities to 30 km/h
Raise public awareness through demonstrations and public events (e.g. Critical Mass)
Mandatory turn-off-assistants for turning trucks within cities
Promote bicycles as an everyday mean of transport
Start collecting data on traffic and especially on road accidents.
Who is involved, what mode of transport, which gender and age?
Is someone injured and at which level?
Location Data: where did the accident take place and when?
Environmental Data: conditions of light, weather and other parameters
Search and mark critical infrastructures
Analyse your data and understand why and how accidents take place
Prioritise safe speeds through safe street design
Separate different modes of transport with own lanes or even street segments
Primarily install bicycle lanes, do not just paint them
Open car-free and pedestrian zones
Redesign road infrastructure through a better signage and a clear road marking to enable intuitive wayfinding
If possible, turn bigger intersections into roundabouts
Mark potential accident points with strong visible colour
Head-start to pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections
Show mutual respect to all road users
Try to change perspectives by altering your mode of transportation regularly
Consider vulnerable traffic users, such as elderly people and children
Show a cooperative behaviour on roads in general
Improve public transport services in general
Make affordable prices possible
Raise the frequency of lines
Improve the coordination of timetables
Good availability at any place due to a widespread network
Easier bicycle transport on buses and trains
Interconnective city that collects and analysis real-time data
Traffic jam prevention through smart technologies and AI
Detection of human errors
Predictive and compliant driving through automation
New prevention systems in motorised vehicles