Via Sicura is a comprehensive and ambitious road safety program in Switzerland, launched within the framework of the Federal Road Traffic Act (RTA). The program was initiated by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), with the active support of the Swiss government and in collaboration with various cantonal and municipal authorities and road safety organizations.
The background to Via Sicura was growing concern about the number of road accidents, serious injuries and fatalities in Switzerland. Despite having one of the best road safety records in Europe, statistics were showing stagnation, or even a slight increase, in some accident categories. This led to the realization that new measures needed to be taken to maintain and improve road safety.
Launched in 2013, Via Sicura is a package of legislative, educational and technological measures aimed at significantly reducing the number of fatal and serious accidents on Swiss roads. The program was developed on the basis of a detailed analysis of the causes and contributing factors of road accidents in Switzerland, and has sought to address these issues in a systematic and coordinated way.
The design of Via Sicura was guided by the conviction that road safety is not simply a matter of regulation and enforcement, but requires a multifaceted approach. The program recognizes that responsibility for road safety is shared between drivers, authorities, planners and engineers, and seeks to create a road safety culture that engages all stakeholders.
The Via Sicura program was launched with the ambitious aim of radically transforming road safety in Switzerland. Its implementation has been guided by several key principles and objectives, which are detailed below.
One of Via Sicura’s key objectives is to drastically reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Swiss roads. Switzerland has always had a good road safety record, but the government wanted to go further in reducing accidents and fatalities. The program specifically targets accidents caused by speeding, drink-driving and other dangerous driving behaviors.
The heart of Via Sicura lies in improving and extending existing legislation. The Road Traffic Act (RTA) has been amended to strengthen penalties for serious offences and to introduce new safety measures. These include tougher penalties for drunk driving, stricter speed limits in certain areas, and greater accountability for professional drivers.
The third pillar of Via Sicura is innovation in traffic technology and the improvement of road infrastructure. This includes the introduction of advanced traffic monitoring systems, the use of technology to control speed and driving behavior, and investment in road infrastructure to make roads and intersections safer. The program also encourages collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, regulators and safety experts to integrate advanced technologies into new vehicles.
Finally, Via Sicura focuses on education and awareness. Recognizing that road safety cannot be achieved through legislation and technology alone, the program includes massive awareness campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety, not just to punish drivers for dangerous behavior, but also to educate them about the risks and consequences of their actions. The program includes awareness-raising campaigns, aimed at instilling a road safety culture and an awareness of the role each driver plays in creating a safe road environment. Via Sicura also strengthens training programs for new drivers, introducing more demanding compulsory courses, and promoting continuing education courses for experienced drivers.
Via Sicura has introduced a comprehensive set of measures to improve road safety in Switzerland. These measures cover several areas, each contributing to a different aspect of road safety.
To begin with, Via Sicura has introduced tougher penalties for serious offences such as drink-driving, speeding and reckless driving. This includes not only increased fines, but also the possibility of prison sentences for repeat offenders and those who commit particularly serious offences. By increasing the consequences for these dangerous behaviors, the aim is to deter drivers from taking unnecessary risks that endanger the lives of others.
In addition, the program has made it easier and quicker to revoke driving licenses in cases of unsafe behavior. License suspension can now be implemented more quickly and in more situations, with mechanisms put in place to ensure that drivers whose licenses have been revoked cannot continue to drive illegally. This aims to get dangerous drivers off the road and ensure that those who have shown a lack of judgement or competence are properly reassessed before being allowed to drive again.
Driver training requirements have also been tightened under Via Sicura. This includes the extension of compulsory courses for new drivers, with more rigorous assessments of their skills and understanding of the rules of the road. Ongoing training courses are also encouraged, with incentives for drivers to keep their skills and knowledge of road safety best practice up to date.
Increased roadside checks and surveillance were also a key element of the program. Law enforcement agencies were given additional resources to increase the frequency and effectiveness of roadside checks, with a particular focus on high-risk behaviors such as drink-driving and speeding. The use of technology, such as speed cameras and surveillance cameras, has been extended to ensure more consistent and impartial enforcement.
Finally, major investments have been made in road infrastructure to make roads safer. This includes improving lighting, signage and intersections, as well as designing roads that encourage safe driving. Collaboration with urban planners and transport engineers has been crucial in this area, to create a road environment that actively supports and encourages safety, rather than simply punishing unsafe behavior.
Via Sicura’s impact on road safety in Switzerland has been significant and multifaceted. Since its launch, the program has contributed to a significant reduction in serious and fatal accidents on Swiss roads, by focusing on a combination of stricter legislation, education and advanced technologies.
One of the most visible impacts has been a change in driver behavior. Tougher penalties for serious offences have sent a clear message that reckless driving will not be tolerated. This firmness has been felt across the country and has contributed to a culture of increased responsibility and respect for the rules of the road.
The impact on driver training has also been significant. With stricter training requirements for new drivers and an emphasis on continuous training for experienced drivers, the level of competence and safety awareness has improved. This has contributed to safer, more responsible driving, not only for individual drivers but for the road community as a whole.
Investment in infrastructure has also had a lasting positive impact. Improved roads, lighting and signage have created a road environment that actively supports safe driving. These physical changes to the roads themselves have a lasting impact that will endure well beyond the life of the Via Sicura program itself.
Via Sicura’s success can also be measured by its influence beyond Switzerland’s borders. The program has been hailed as an example of best practice in road safety, and has influenced legislation and policy in other European countries. Switzerland’s comprehensive and coordinated approach has been seen as a model of how legislation, technology, education and infrastructure can work together to improve road safety.
However, it is important to note that Via Sicura is not without its critics. Some have challenged the increase in penalties as disproportionate, while others have pointed out that the focus on technology and infrastructure could neglect the human and behavioral aspects of road safety. These criticisms, while important to consider, did not prevent Via Sicura from achieving its key objectives.