Via Sicura

Launched in Switzerland, the Via Sicura program is a comprehensive, pioneering strategy under the umbrella of the Federal Road Traffic Act (RTA).
Orchestrated by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and supported by the Swiss government, the program operates in close collaboration with various cantonal and municipal authorities and organizations focused on road safety.

The creation of Via Sicura was prompted by growing concern about the frequency of road accidents, serious injuries and fatalities in Switzerland.
Although the country already boasted one of the best road safety records in Europe, some statistics showed stagnation or even a slight increase in certain types of accident.
This reality underlined the need for revitalized measures to maintain and improve road safety.

Launched in 2013, Via Sicura is a combination of legislative, educational and technological measures designed to significantly reduce the rate of fatal and serious accidents on Swiss roads.
The program has been built around an in-depth analysis of the causes and factors contributing to road accidents in Switzerland, seeking to address these issues in a comprehensive and harmonious way.

Via Sicura is based on the conviction that road safety goes beyond simple regulations and coercive interventions.
It calls for a multidimensional approach, sharing responsibility between drivers, politicians, town planners and engineers, with the aim of cultivating a road safety culture that involves all stakeholders.

Via Sicura objectives and principles

Aimed at transforming road safety in Switzerland, the Via Sicura program was founded on a number of cardinal principles and objectives, detailed below.

One of Via Sicura’s main objectives is to drastically reduce the number of victims and serious injuries on Swiss roads.
Although the statistics were already favorable, the intention is to further improve these figures by minimizing incidents and fatalities.
Particular attention is being paid to accidents caused by over-speeding, drink-driving and other risky behavior.

The heart of Via Sicura is an overhaul and expansion of existing legislation.
The Road Traffic Act (RTA) has been revised to introduce tougher penalties for serious offences, introducing new safety measures.
These include increased penalties for drunk driving, stricter speed restrictions in certain areas, and greater accountability for professional drivers.

The third cornerstone of Via Sicura concerns technological innovation and the improvement of road infrastructure.
This involves implementing advanced traffic management systems, using technology to regulate speed and driver behavior, and investing in road infrastructure improvements to make roads and junctions safer.
Increased collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, regulators and safety experts aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new vehicles.

Finally, Via Sicura puts the emphasis on education and awareness-raising.
It recognizes that legislation and technology alone cannot guarantee road safety, hence the importance of large-scale awareness campaigns to inform the public of the risks associated with reckless driving and the importance of road safety.
The aim is not only to punish drivers for dangerous behavior, but also to educate them about the dangers and consequences of their actions.
Information campaigns aim to instill a road safety culture and an awareness of the role each driver plays in creating a safe road environment.
More stringent training is also encouraged for new drivers, as well as continuing education for experienced drivers.

Key Via Sicura measures

Via Sicura has rolled out a series of measures designed to improve road safety in Switzerland.
These initiatives cover several areas, each contributing to a different aspect of road safety.

Firstly, Via Sicura has introduced tougher penalties for serious offences such as drink-driving, speeding and reckless driving.
This includes not only increased fines, but also prison sentences for repeat offenders and individuals committing particularly serious offences.
By accentuating the consequences of these dangerous behaviors, the aim is to dissuade drivers from engaging in risky practices that endanger the lives of others.

Secondly, the program facilitates the rapid suspension of driving licenses in cases of dangerous driving.
License revocation can now be implemented more quickly and in a greater number of cases, with measures to ensure that dangerous drivers are taken off the road without delay.

Emphasis has also been placed on safety in high-risk areas.
Significant investments have been made to improve the road infrastructure in these areas, making the roads safer and reducing the potential for accidents.
This includes measures such as improved road lighting, the installation of safety barriers and the introduction of reduced-speed zones.

In addition, Via Sicura encourages better coordination between cantonal and municipal authorities to ensure consistent implementation of road safety initiatives.
This includes the creation of forums and working groups to share information and ideas on best practice in road safety.

To complement this approach, Via Sicura has launched innovative awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of careless driving and the steps they can take to prevent accidents.
These campaigns use a variety of media, including social media, to reach a wide audience and encourage a respectful and responsible road safety culture.

Managing road safety in Switzerland

Via Sicura is much more than a government program; it’s a revolution in the way road safety is perceived and managed in Switzerland.
With its comprehensive, multifaceted approach, it aims to create a road environment where safety is the top priority, an environment where every driver is aware of his or her role in protecting the lives and safety of everyone on the roads.

With positive results and encouraging statistics on the reduction of accidents and serious injuries on Swiss roads since its launch, Via Sicura stands as a success story, an initiative that could inspire other nations to follow suit in the pursuit of safer, more responsible road traffic.

By adopting a road safety philosophy that goes beyond penalties and infrastructure, and encompasses education, awareness-raising and cooperation between all stakeholders, Via Sicura is not only a road safety program, but also a genuine mission to save lives and preserve the well-being of all on Swiss roads.