DRIVING IN THE DARK/POOR VISIBILITY. PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS

It is well known that pedestrians and cyclists often are seriously injured when involved in traffic accidents. In many countries efforts to improve the situation have been implemented, both in the form of measures that in general will improve traffic safety for the groups and in particular when driving in the dark or under poor visibility conditions. The paper will illustrate the problem, its magnitude and some ideas for further consideration with the situation in Denmark as the basis. In Denmark a Road Safety Management plan was issued in 1988 with the aim to reduce the number of killed in traffic by 40% over a 12 year period, with special emphasis on accidents in crossings, at high speed, involving drunk driving and cyclists. This period is approaching its end and although a significant reduction in the number of accidents has been achieved, the target will not be met. Further, the number of accidents involving cyclists has not decreased as fast as the overall decrease, and it is yet at an unsatisfactory high level. There is an overrepresentation in the number of accidents occurring when it is dark or when there is a poor visibility. Further, single accidents contribute significantly pointing to the need to improve the lighting conditions in order to see better. Another important class of accidents is accidents involving a car. Here there is a need to focus more on badges with a good reflection and similar measures in order to be better seen. The different types of measures related to the person himself, car lighting and road environment will be discussed. (A)