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Alcohol behind the wheel, speeding and digital technology are just some of the challenges the Road Safety Authority faces in guaranteeing safety on Luxembourg's roads.
The aim is simple: Zero deaths and zero injuries amongst pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and car drivers on Luxembourg's roads.
1,243 people were injured in 2021, of which 24 died and 267 were severely injured.
More safety measures must be implemented, the authority's president, Paul Hammelmann, said Friday, presenting a report outlining several suggestions.
Speed reduction and alcohol checks
Speed is the primary factor in all accidents. Luxembourg should implement measures to reduce the maximum speed limit across the country, said Hammelmann.
First, speed must be reduced to 30km/h in all residential areas, the authority recommends, down from 50km/h. Pedestrian crossings should be raised, creating automatic speed bumps.
On national roads, the 90km/h limit should be lowered to 80km/h. On motorways speeds should be regulated according to traffic congestion, and more smart radars should be installed.
The authority is calling for more police checks to reduce drink driving, as well as a breath test connected to a vehicle's ignition for people convicted of drink driving (rather than a driving ban).
When combined with counselling, as is the case in Belgium, intervention on drink driving will save lives, the authority writes in its report.
Eyes on the road
Distracted drivers are responsible for 5-25% of all accidents.
The Road Safety Authority pleads for an automatic detection device when drivers use their phone while driving, more information campaigns for the general public and financial incentives to improve automated driving systems.
It also calls for safer roadsides, such as those lined with trees, meaning more protective barricades.
Helmets for cyclists, more paths
Helmets must become compulsory for cyclists, the experts recommend, reducing deadly head injuries in accidents.
The government should also expand and maintain its cycling path network, and keep them clearly separated from motorised traffic.
Dashcams
The Road Safety Authority is disappointed that privacy laws are being used as an excuse by the EU to ban dashcams on the road, even though they can capture traffic violations.
Road users violating laws should undergo more training and not just be slapped with fines, as these have no educational value, the authority argues.
Finally, the authority calls for more safety and first aid training as part of driving lessons.
