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Next-generation Transportation: A focus on pedestrians & cyclists

Author(s): Arason, Oakey, Henry

Slidedeck Presentation Only (no paper submitted):

4C - Arason

Abstract:

Many people think of engineering as the predominant field in road safety, and under-estimate or overlook the role of the health sector who bring a human health and injury prevention perspective to the problem of road safety. Health practitioners conduct research on road safety issues, conduct surveillance and reporting, work to safeguard human well-being, deal with the consequences of motor vehicle crashes in terms of emergency response, hospital treatments, and ongoing rehabilitation of victims, as well as advocate for forward-leaning changes to reduce trauma to people from road crashes. To provide an overview of the role of the health community in road safety and specifically to chronicle examples of this work in British Columbia. It is hoped that this, in turn, will inspire other parts of the country to further consider the role of the health sector in advancing road safety. All those working in the field of road safety in Canada as well as outside of Canada. This will involve a presentation with Q/As to follow. A Powerpoint presentation that covers but is not limited to the following:

* the BC Public Health Officer report, 'Where the Rubber Meets the Road, Reducing the Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes on Health and Well-being in BC': (see: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/reports-publications/annual-reports/reducing-motor-vehicle-crashes-bc.pdf
* health involvement in the BC Road Safety Strategy,
* health position statements on highway speeds,
* the designation of vulnerable road users as a top injury prevention priority for the Provincial Health Services Authority and the health authorities in BC, and
* research produced by the health sector on topics such as highway speeds, drinking and driving, booster seats, driver distraction, cannabis, etc.