Some Thoughts on Fatal Road Accidents

Nowadays, the motorization is increasing rapidly in China as it was in Hungary in the 90s. All countries have the same objective, to decrease the number of the fatal road accidents. The European Union also has a directive in this scope. In China, further efforts are necessary because the increasing motorization level is in proportion to the total number of road casualties, although there are passive, active, and also pre-active systems integrated into vehicle safety. It is worth comparing the example of the past to the Chinese present because some important conclusions can be drawn. This paper considers some specialities (like the evaluation method of the hazard analysis, the role of young or female drivers, the left-hand traffic, and the feasible regulation) that affect the number of fatal road accidents and draw attention to new relationships. For example, the following conclusions can be drawn: it makes no difference the extent to which vehicle or road traffic safety is improving. If the mortality rate descends, than society clamours for the relief of proper regulations (like increasing the range of speed, giving driver's licenses at a younger age, tolerating the increased transit traffic, etc.). Crash rates for young drivers (age 16-24) are high largely because of their immaturity combined with driving inexperience. On the other hand, the number of lethal crashes increases significantly if the age-group over 70 years old is considered. The solution in both cases can be strict regulation and control. The main road transport authorizational tasks can be defined as the determination of speed limits, the obligation of safety belts, the specification of the criteria of visibility, the improvement of driving habits, and continuous education.