Via Sicura is a comprehensive and ambitious road safety program implemented in Switzerland, launched under the Federal Road Traffic Act (RTA). Initiated by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) with active support from the Swiss government and collaboration with various cantonal, communal authorities, and road safety organizations, the program addresses growing concerns over road accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities.
Despite Switzerland’s strong road safety record in Europe, statistics showed stagnation or slight increases in certain accident categories. This led to the realization that new measures were needed to maintain and improve road safety.
Launched in 2013, Via Sicura comprises legislative, educational, and technological measures aimed at significantly reducing fatal and serious road accidents in Switzerland. The program was developed based on a detailed analysis of the causes and contributing factors of road accidents, addressing these issues systematically and coordinatedly.
Via Sicura is guided by the belief that road safety involves more than just regulation and enforcement; it requires a multifaceted approach. The program acknowledges that responsibility for road safety is shared among drivers, authorities, planners, and engineers, striving to create a road safety culture engaging all stakeholders.
Goals and principles of Via Sicura
Via Sicura aims to radically transform road safety in Switzerland. Its implementation follows several key principles and objectives:
Reducing Fatalities and Serious Injuries: One of the primary goals is to drastically reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Swiss roads. Although Switzerland already had a good road safety record, the government aimed to further decrease accidents and fatalities, particularly those caused by speeding, drunk driving, and other dangerous behaviors.
Enhancing Legislation: Via Sicura focuses on improving and extending existing legislation. The RTA was amended to strengthen sanctions for serious violations and introduce new safety measures. This includes harsher penalties for drunk driving, stricter speed limits in certain areas, and increased accountability for professional drivers.
Innovating Traffic Technology and Infrastructure: The program promotes technological advancements in traffic monitoring, speed control, and driving behavior, as well as investments in road infrastructure to make roads and intersections safer. Collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and safety experts is encouraged to integrate advanced technologies into new vehicles.
Education and Awareness: Recognizing that legislation and technology alone cannot achieve road safety, Via Sicura includes extensive awareness campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety. The program aims to educate drivers about the risks and consequences of their actions, promoting a road safety culture and individual responsibility.
Key measures of Via Sicura
Via Sicura introduced a comprehensive set of measures across various domains, each contributing to different aspects of road safety:
Stricter Sanctions for Serious Violations: The program imposed harsher penalties for serious offenses such as drunk driving, speeding, and reckless driving. This includes increased fines and the possibility of imprisonment for repeat offenders and those committing particularly severe infractions, aiming to deter risky behaviors.
Easier and Quicker License Revocation: The program made it easier and faster to revoke driving licenses for dangerous behavior. License suspensions can now be implemented more swiftly and in more situations, with mechanisms to ensure that drivers whose licenses are revoked cannot continue driving illegally. This aims to remove dangerous drivers from the roads and ensure proper reevaluation before they can drive again.
Enhanced Driver Training Requirements: Via Sicura strengthened driver training requirements, including extended mandatory courses for new drivers with more rigorous assessments of their skills and understanding of road rules. Continuing education courses are also encouraged, with incentives for drivers to keep their skills and road safety knowledge up-to-date.
Increased Traffic Controls and Surveillance: The program provided additional resources to law enforcement to increase the frequency and effectiveness of traffic controls, focusing on high-risk behaviors like drunk driving and speeding. The use of technology, such as speed cameras and surveillance, was expanded to ensure consistent and impartial law enforcement.
Investments in Road Infrastructure: Significant investments were made to improve road safety infrastructure, including better lighting, signage, and intersections, and road designs that encourage safe driving. Collaboration with urban planners and transportation engineers has been crucial in creating a road environment that actively supports safety.
Impact of Via Sicura
Via Sicura has had a significant and multifaceted impact on road safety in Switzerland since its launch. The program has notably reduced the number of serious and fatal accidents by emphasizing stricter legislation, education, and advanced technologies.
Behavioral Change Among Drivers: The harsher penalties for serious violations have clearly communicated that reckless driving will not be tolerated, contributing to a culture of increased responsibility and adherence to road rules.
Improved Driver Training: Stricter training requirements for new drivers and an emphasis on continuing education for experienced drivers have enhanced overall driver competence and awareness of road safety, promoting safer and more responsible driving.
Positive Infrastructure Developments: Investments in road infrastructure improvements have created a safer driving environment. Enhanced lighting, signage, and road designs have had a lasting impact on road safety, benefiting the entire community.
International Influence: Via Sicura has been recognized as a best practice example in road safety, influencing legislation and policy in other European countries. Switzerland’s comprehensive and coordinated approach has been seen as a model for integrating legislation, technology, education, and infrastructure to improve road safety.
While Via Sicura has faced some criticism—such as concerns about the proportionality of increased sanctions and the focus on technology and infrastructure potentially overlooking human and behavioral aspects—the program has nonetheless achieved its key objectives. By fostering a multifaceted approach that includes stricter legislation, technological innovation, and public education, Via Sicura has significantly enhanced road safety in Switzerland and serves as a benchmark for other countries aiming to improve their road safety records.
