NGO sector – Professional, safety, user organizations

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a major role in road casualty reduction. They can draw attention to the scale of the road injury problem; provide impartial information for policymakers and media; identify and promote effective, acceptable solutions; challenge ineffective policy options; form effective coalitions of organizations with a strong interest in casualty reduction; and carry out different forms of road safety education, whether for professionals, policymakers, fleet managers or car buyers.

• Professional organizations Non-governmental institutes such as those representing the road engineering or health professions can make an important contribution to road safety. these organizations are usually funded by professional membership subscriptions, which assure their independent voice. They can provide an authoritative voice in helping to stimulate awareness and action on road safety amongst their profession; helping to identify best practice as well as embarking on training activity and professional capacity development (e.g. the Institution of Highways and Transportation in the UK [29] or the Dutch highway engineering organization, CROW [10].Such organizations have been in the forefront of advances in Europe urban and rural safety management; pedestrian safety and black spot treatments
• Safety organizations The leadership and advocacy of public health and safety professionals, pro-active in building effective coalitions, has often provided the stimulus for successful evidence-based interventions [47]. Aided by the scientific community, the medical profession, victims groups, user groups and the media, safety organizations can play a major role in road casualty reduction [56].

At European level, the Brussels-based European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) provides an international example of successful coalition building to achieve specific aims and professional support. Successful campaigns include an EU-wide road fatality reduction target and new vehicle safety standards legislation. Supported by a wide range of professional experts and organizations, ETSC aims to provide impartial advice on transport safety to European policymakers and to identify and promote measures with high safety potential and with due consideration to cost and public acceptability [20].

The National Society for Road Safety in Sweden is the umbrella organization for the non-governmental sector comprising a wide range of organizations [43]. It plays a key role in stimulating consumer demand for road safety and promoting evidence-based measures, particularly in the areas of speed reduction, reduced drinking and driving and increased usage of protective systems. It has monitored Sweden’s most dangerous road locations. Its coordinated publicity has supported police enforcement on seat belt use.

Motoring, road user and consumer organizations User organizations typically mount strong national campaigns to improve mobility and safety. In recent years, together with safety organizations, motoring and consumer organizations have played a key role in improving car occupant safety standards. International Testing representing consumer and FIA/AIT representing motorists has played an important role in European New Car Assessment Programme [17] which was initiated by the British and Swedish governments.