Via Sicura

Inaugurated in Switzerland, the Via Sicura program is a comprehensive, pioneering initiative under the Federal Road Traffic Act (RTA).
Implemented by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) with the ongoing support of the Swiss government and in consultation with various cantonal and municipal bodies and organizations dedicated to road safety.

The genesis of Via Sicura was growing concern about the frequency of road accidents, serious injuries and fatalities in Switzerland.
Although the road safety record is one of the best in Europe, statistics showed stagnation or even a small increase in certain types of accident.
This led to the realization that renewed measures were needed to maintain and improve road safety.

Launched in 2013, Via Sicura is a package of legislative, educational and technological measures designed to significantly reduce the rate of fatal and serious accidents on Swiss roads.
The program is based on a meticulous analysis of the causes and factors contributing to road accidents in Switzerland, with the aim of addressing these issues in an integrated and harmonized way.

Via Sicura’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that road safety transcends the boundaries of regulation and enforcement, requiring a multi-angle approach.
The program emphasizes that the burden of road safety is shared between motorists, governments, urban planners and engineers, aiming to create a road safety culture that mobilizes all parties involved.

Via Sicura objectives and principles

The Via Sicura program was launched with the bold mission of revolutionizing road safety in Switzerland.
Its deployment has been orchestrated around several fundamental principles and objectives, explained below.

One of Via Sicura’s major objectives is to radically reduce the number of victims and serious injuries on Swiss roads.
Although Switzerland has always had a good road safety record, the government aims to go even further in reducing incidents and fatalities.
The program is particularly aimed at accidents caused by over-speeding, driving under the influence and other risky behaviors behind the wheel.

The epicenter of Via Sicura is the optimization and expansion of existing legislation.
The Road Traffic Act (RTA) has been revised to toughen penalties for serious violations and to introduce new safety measures.
These include tougher penalties for driving under the influence, stricter speed limits in specific zones, and increased liability for professional drivers.

The third pillar of Via Sicura concerns innovation in traffic technology and the improvement of road infrastructure.
This encompasses the implementation of sophisticated traffic management systems, the use of technology to moderate speed and driving behavior, and investments in road infrastructure to make roads and junctions safer.
The program also promotes collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, regulators and safety experts to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new vehicles.

Finally, Via Sicura focuses on education and awareness.
Recognizing that road safety cannot be guaranteed by legislation and technology alone, the program initiates large-scale awareness campaigns to inform the public of the risks associated with careless driving and the importance of road safety.
The aim is not only to punish drivers for unsafe driving, but also to educate them about the dangers and repercussions of their actions.
The program develops awareness campaigns aimed at instilling a road safety culture and an awareness of the role each driver plays in creating a safe road environment.
Via Sicura is also stepping up education programs for novice drivers, introducing more rigorous compulsory training, and encouraging further training for experienced drivers.

Key Via Sicura measures

Via Sicura has introduced a comprehensive range of measures designed to improve road safety in Switzerland.
These measures cover several areas, each contributing to a different dimension of road safety.

To begin with, Via Sicura has established heavier penalties for serious violations such as driving under the influence, speeding and reckless driving.
This includes not only an increase in fines, but also the imposition of prison sentences for repeat offenders and those committing extremely serious offences.
By amplifying the repercussions for these dangerous behaviors, the aim is to discourage drivers from engaging in risky driving that endangers the lives of others.

In addition, the program has facilitated the rapid revocation of driving licenses in cases of dangerous driving.
License suspension can now be imposed more promptly and in a greater number of cases, with mechanisms in place to ensure that dangerous drivers are taken off the road without delay.

Safety in high-risk areas was also tackled head-on.
Substantial investments have been made to improve road infrastructure in these areas, making 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 limited-speed zones.

Via Sicura also promotes greater coordination between cantonal and municipal authorities to ensure consistent implementation of road safety initiatives.
This includes setting up discussion forums and working groups to exchange information and ideas on best practice in road safety.

To complete the picture, Via Sicura has inaugurated 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 range of media, including social media, to reach a wide audience and promote a respectful and responsible road safety culture.

Via Sicura: more than just a government program

Via Sicura is more than just a government program; it’s a revolution in the way road safety is perceived and managed in Switzerland.
With its integrated, multifaceted approach, Via Sicura 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 preserving the lives and safety of everyone on the roads.

With a positive track record and encouraging statistics on the reduction of accidents and serious injuries on Swiss roads since its inauguration, Via Sicura is positioning itself as a model of success, an initiative that could inspire other countries to follow suit in the quest for safer, more responsible road traffic.

By embracing a road safety philosophy that goes beyond penalties and infrastructure, and encompasses education, awareness-raising and cooperation between all the players involved, Via Sicura is not just a road safety program, but a genuine mission to save lives and safeguard the well-being of everyone on Switzerland’s roads.