Elimination of Fatal Road Accidents in Helsinki for an Entire Year
Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, has achieved a remarkable milestone - a full year without a single fatal traffic accident. This impressive feat is a testament to the city's commitment to improving its transport system and ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors.
The journey towards this achievement began in 2022, when the Helsinki City Transport Department (Helsingin kaupungin liikennelaitos) initiated a four-year multi-step program aimed at enhancing traffic safety. The program, which has already shown positive results, has been instrumental in transforming Helsinki's public transport system into Europe's highest rated.
One of the key strategies employed by the city was the reduction of speed limits. Previously, the speed limit in Helsinki was 50km/h, but now more than half of its streets have a speed limit of 30km/h. This change, along with improvements in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, has contributed significantly to the city's safety.
The success of the program is not limited to preventing fatalities. It has also resulted in a significant reduction in injuries. Monitoring was enhanced in Helsinki to spot and penalize poor driving, further contributing to the city's safety.
According to a report, injuries from traffic-related accidents have fallen by almost 75% in Helsinki over the last 40 years. This dramatic decrease underscores the effectiveness of the measures taken to improve traffic safety in the city.
The program's success has not gone unnoticed. Helsinki serves as an example for many developed cities around the world struggling to improve their outdated transport infrastructure. The city's traffic safety program demonstrates that investments, policy choices, and citizen engagement can indeed reduce risks.
The program's approach is multifaceted, encompassing various strategies to ensure safety. Enhancing public transport, reducing speed limits, improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and enhancing monitoring are just a few examples of the measures taken.
As Helsinki continues to celebrate this significant milestone, it serves as a beacon of hope for cities worldwide, inspiring them to strive for safer roads and transport systems. The city's traffic safety program is a shining example of what can be achieved when a city prioritises the safety and well-being of its residents.
