4. Countermeasures

Countermeasures (CMs) are pivotal in the prevention of fatal collisions.

For the purposes of this research, countermeasures were identified that if implemented at any stage of the collision (pre, post or during) were assessed to have an impact on the outcome: either stopping the collision from occurring at all or reducing the severity of injuries sustained.

Almost all collisions (98%) had countermeasures relating to Safer Vehicles (n=886) and Safer Road Use (n=881).

This supports the need for vehicles on Scotland’s roads to be as safe as possible in terms of maintenance, design, technology and safety systems. There is also a need to ensure that drivers and road users are able to utilise the road safely, efficiently and sustainably.

The most commonly assigned countermeasures include:

• ‘Training to improve hazard perception skill’ (People-related CM)
• ‘Reduce speed limit’ (Road-related CM)
• ‘Advanced Emergency Braking System’ (Vehicle-related CM)
• Highlighting the variety of measures which could influence the outcome of a collision.

Detailed analysis of countermeasures relating to collision avoidance and severity reduction is provided in the full report alongside focussed analysis of countermeasures assigned to vulnerable road users.