Via Sicura - Avocats Genève

Via Sicura: Switzerland’s comprehensive road safety program

Via Sicura is a comprehensive and ambitious road safety program implemented in Switzerland under the Federal Road Traffic Act (LCR). Initiated by the Federal Roads Office (OFROU) with active support from the Swiss government and in collaboration with various cantonal, communal authorities, and road safety organizations, Via Sicura emerged from growing concerns over the number of road accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities in Switzerland. Despite having one of the best road safety records in Europe, statistics showed stagnation or slight increases in certain categories of accidents. This led to the realization that new measures were needed to maintain and improve road safety.

Launched in 2013, Via Sicura is a set of legislative, educational, and technological measures aimed at significantly reducing the number of fatal and serious accidents on Swiss roads. The program was developed from a detailed analysis of the causes and contributory factors of road accidents in Switzerland and sought to address these issues systematically and coherently.

The design of Via Sicura was guided by the belief that road safety is not just a matter of regulation and enforcement but requires a multifaceted approach. The program recognizes that the responsibility for road safety is shared among drivers, authorities, planners, and engineers, and seeks to create a road safety culture that engages all stakeholders.

Objectives and principles of Via Sicura

Via Sicura was launched with the ambitious goal of radically transforming road safety in Switzerland. Its implementation has been guided by several key principles and objectives, detailed below.

One of the primary goals of Via Sicura is the drastic reduction in 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 by reducing accidents and fatalities. The program specifically targets accidents caused by speeding, drunk driving, and other dangerous driving behaviors.

The core of Via Sicura rests on the improvement and extension of existing legislation. The Road Traffic Act (LCR) was amended to strengthen penalties against serious offenses and introduce new safety measures. This includes harsher penalties for drunk driving, stricter speed limits in certain areas, and increased accountability for professional drivers.

The third pillar of Via Sicura is innovation in traffic technology and road infrastructure improvement. This includes introducing advanced traffic monitoring systems, using technology to control speed and driving behavior, and investments in road infrastructure to make roads and intersections safer. The program also encourages collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and safety experts to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new vehicles.

Finally, Via Sicura emphasizes 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. It’s not just about punishing drivers for dangerous behavior but also educating them about the risks and consequences of their actions. The program includes awareness campaigns, aimed at instilling a road safety culture and 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 ongoing training courses for experienced drivers.

Key measures of Via Sicura

Via Sicura introduced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at improving road safety in Switzerland. These measures span several areas, each contributing to a different aspect of road safety.

For starters, Via Sicura imposed harsher penalties for serious offenses such as drunk 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 offenses. By increasing the consequences for these dangerous behaviors, the aim is to deter drivers from taking unnecessary risks that endanger others’ lives.

Moreover, the program enabled easier and faster revocation of driving licenses in case of dangerous behavior. License suspension can now be implemented more quickly and in more situations, with mechanisms in place to ensure that drivers whose licenses have been revoked cannot continue to drive illegally. This aims to remove dangerous drivers from the road and ensure that those who have shown a lack of judgment or competence are properly reassessed before being allowed to drive again.

Driver training requirements were also enhanced as part of Via Sicura. This includes extending compulsory courses for new drivers, with more rigorous evaluations of their skills and understanding of road rules. Ongoing training courses are also encouraged, with incentives for drivers to keep their skills and knowledge of road safety best practices up to date.

Increased road checks and surveillance were also a key element of the program. Law enforcement received additional resources to increase the frequency and effectiveness of road checks, particularly focusing on high-risk behaviors like drunk driving and speeding. The use of technology, such as radar and surveillance cameras, was expanded to ensure more consistent and impartial law enforcement.

Finally, significant investments were 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 transportation engineers was crucial in this area, to create a road environment that actively supports and encourages safety rather than just punishing dangerous behaviors.

Impact of Via Sicura

The impact of Via Sicura on road safety in Switzerland has been significant and multifaceted. Since its launch, the program has contributed to a notable reduction in serious and fatal accidents on Swiss roads, focusing on a combination of stricter legislation, education, and advanced technologies.

One of the most visible impacts has been the change in driver behavior. Harsher penalties for serious offenses have clearly sent a message that reckless driving will not be tolerated. This firmness has been felt across the country and contributed to a culture of increased responsibility and respect for road rules.

The impact on driver training has also been notable. With stricter training requirements for new drivers and an emphasis on ongoing training for experienced drivers, the level of skill and safety awareness has improved. This has contributed to safer and more responsible driving, not just for individual drivers but for the entire road community.

Investment in infrastructure has also had a lasting positive impact. Improvements to 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 lifespan of the Via Sicura program itself.

The success of Via Sicura can also be measured by its influence beyond Swiss borders. The program has been hailed as an example of best practices 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’s important to note that Via Sicura is not without its critics. Some have challenged the increased penalties as disproportionate, while others have pointed out that the emphasis on technology and infrastructure might neglect the human and behavioral aspects of road safety. These criticisms, while important to consider, have not prevented Via Sicura from achieving its key goals.

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T. : +41 22 348 32 35