David Cliff, CEO of the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) has issued a statement outlining the critical case for ongoing road safety investment following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the statement Cliff highlights the potential new threats that may emerge in the post COVID-19 world, including greater pressure and risk on the world’s roads. The threats highlighted include:
- Driver distraction may increase as populations suffer from the potential mental health consequences of job losses, bereavement etc. – adding to risk, particularly for cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.
- Driver stress, higher fatigue levels and work-related pressure is likely to increase.
- It is likely that drug and alcohol misuse will increase.
- Transport operators may be pressured to attempt to reduce costs by extending vehicle maintenance periods, compromising vehicle safety standards and neglecting driver training.
- There may be pressure for drivers to exceed speed limits and increase driving hours.
