Proposals for improving traffic safety in Shanghai

Urban development in Shanghai, China is associated with increases in road construction, the number of cars and car use. However a modern public transport system of sufficient capacity is not available at present. A metro system is under construction. Bus transport and taxis serve about 65% and 20%, respectively, of public transport. Roads are still dominated by bicycles and pedestrians. The reasons for traffic accidents are outlined and possible measures for traffic safety are discussed. The number and distances of journeys may be reduced by traffic-oriented urban and regional planning. Cooperation between planners and traffic engineers could eliminate traffic problems in new developments. Adoption of safety-oriented traffic and transport planning giving priority to public transport and segregating different transport systems is important. The need for education in traffic behaviour is emphasised.