Interreg project RADAR: improving road safety in Danube region countries

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'We must not stop investing in safer roads. Every life is important, every life counts, and we already have the knowledge and the tools to save lives and reduce trauma on our roads.'Marko Ševrović, lead partner of RADAR, European Institute of Road Assessment - EuroRAP (EIRA)Experts in road safety and infrastructure collaborated on the Risk Assessment on Danube Area Roads (RADAR) project. Twelve countries, 13 government ministries and road authorities participated.Over three years, they implemented learning activities for professionals working in road safety and investigated road infrastructure improvements.Infrastructure for fewer accidentsExperts analysed available data to identify the most dangerous stretches of road in the region and the reasons for accidents. This information was used to help authorities improve road layout, pedestrian footways, cycle lanes and crossing points. Installing safety barriers and ensuring that signage is more visible were among the improvements made in several countries.Particular focus was placed on the safety of roads near schools and plans were drawn up to reduce the risk of accidents in these vulnerable areas. Making roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists was another priority for RADAR.Pilot actions were implemented in eight countries to test the safety improvements elaborated during the project. A safer road investment plan was drawn up that will provide a comman approach to reducing road-related deaths. The project material was published in all Danube region languages.Sharing solutionsTraining was a key element of the project as infrastructure changes often take many years to achieve a significant reduction in the number of crashes. Five-day training courses took place in each participating country, which informed road engineers and authorities how to identify risks and implement cost-effective solutions.Two-day study visits were organised in Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and the UK to exchange best practices and road safety solutions.The participating regions are already benefiting from better speed management and safer traffic flows on their roads. A transnational road safety expert group was formed that will use the project’s findings to provide input for national road safety plans.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “RADAR – Risk Assessment on Danube Area Roads” is EUR 2 152 510, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund, European Neighbourhood Instrument and Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance contributing EUR 1 829 633 through the Interreg “Danube Transnational” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.