Formulating and implementing road safety policy - WHO

1 Unit 7. Formulating AND implementing road safety policy 110011 Formulating and implementing road safety policyUNIT 7 Overview Objectives Importance of policy in preventing road traffic injuries policy formulation process Activity Institutional framework The need for a lead agency Sub-national and local institutions Key points Definitions of key concepts Questions to think about References Further reading Notes Trainee s evaluationunit-7 11/3/2006 6:25 PM Page 101unit-7 11/3/2006 6:25 PM Page 102 Overviewormulating and implementing policies isnecessary for improving road will have no effect on road safety unlessthey are implemented.

2 This unit examines theimportance of road safety policy , and thendescribes the basic steps and issues to consider informulating and implementing road safetypolicy. ObjectivesBy the end of this unit, the trainee should able to: explain the importance of developing policiesfor road traffic injury prevention; describe the process of developing a policy forroad traffic injury prevention; discuss the role of a national lead agency indeveloping and implementing policies forroad traffic injury 7.

3 Formulating AND implementing road safety policy 110033 Importance of policy inpreventing road traffic injuriesThe term policy can be interpreted in a variety ofways. Here we consider a national policy on roadsafety to be a written document that provides thebasis for action to be taken jointly by thegovernment and its nongovernmental partners(1).A policy is necessary to (1, 2) : raise awareness and create mutualunderstanding about a situation; articulate ethical and other principles that shouldjustify and guide action; generate a consensus vision on the actions to beundertaken; provide a framework for action; define institutional responsibilities andmechanisms of coordination; secure or raise political commitment; engage a variety of partners; identify measures which are likely to producegood results.

4 Monitor progress and effectiveness of formulation processPolicy formulation and implementation is acontinuous process. This process is often presentedas taking place in phases or stages, in order to makeit easier to identify key elements. However, itshould be noted that this process is complex and itdoes not necessarily move in a smooth mannerfrom one step to another. For the sake of systematic presentation andclarification of key issues, we present the processof developing a national policy as taking place inthree phases (Figure ).

5 In Phase 1 the policydevelopment process is being initiated. In Phase 2the policy document itself is being The three phases of the policy developmentprocessSource: reference 11/3/2006 6:25 PM Page 103110044 road traffic injury PREVENTION: TRAINING MANUALF inally, in Phase 3 official approval andendorsement of the policy is being sought. Each ofthe three phases is composed of a number of steps. Important points to note about the processpresented in Figure are as follows: In real life, a policy development process can bemuch more chaotic than the best-case scenarioportrayed here.

6 It may be necessary to jumpahead and come back to a step that ideallyshould have happened earlier on in the process. This process is influenced by social, economicand political factors. Political will and commitment are necessary foreffective policy formulation and implementation. The process takes time, consultation, negotiationand effort. Ensure that key stakeholders are involved in theentire process. Consultation should be conducted with allstakeholders in an open, fair and transparentmanner.

7 Ensure that all the stakeholders approve andendorse the policy document. The very act of developing a policy documentcan bring about significant changes in attitudesand perceptions that can go a long way towardstackling a problem. Implementation of policy is essential once apolicy has been formulated. Implementation of road safety measuresrequires coordinated action. Responsibilities atdifferent levels need to be clearly spelled out. Financial and human resources need to beprovided for implementation.

8 Evaluating policy implementation is provides feedback on how well thepolicy is working and can lead to improvementof the policy frameworkRoad safety work is a complex process involvingdifferent sectors. There is thus a need for afunctional and effective institutional framework forthe development and implementation of policiesand programmes to prevent road traffic need for a lead agencyThough different institutional frameworks arepossible, there is a need to identify a lead agencyin government to guide the national road safetyeffort.

9 The lead agency should have authority andresponsibility to make decisions, controlresources and coordinate efforts by all sectors ofgovernment including those of health,transport, education and the police. This agencyshould have adequate finances to use for roadsafety, and should be publicly accountable for models can be effective in road safetyand each country needs to create a lead agencyappropriate to its own circumstances. Specificefforts should be taken by the agency to engage allsignificant groups concerned with road safety .

10 Thenational road safety agency should be anActivityTaskIs there a national road safety policy and actionplan in your country? If your answer is yes,prepare a one-page summary of the aims, targetsand activities that have been implemented. Whatare the strengths in the policy and plan? What arethe weaknesses in the policy and plan? If there isno policy , what steps do you plan to take toinitiate the process of developing a national roadsafety policy or action plan?Expected resultsThis exercise is meant to assist trainees withreviewing their national road safety policy andaction plan.