Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyse whether the economic resources invested in roads—both investment in construction and expenditure on maintenance and conservation—have any influence on road fatality rates. Since this is a complex problem, and because there are many factors that can influence the fatality rate, other variables related to specific transport, socioeconomic and meteorological factors are also considered. The study was carried out using a panel data model, modelling road mortality as a function of 12 variables. The scope of the study is international, focusing on the interurban road network. Data were collected from 23 European countries for the period 1998–2016. The main results obtained are that both expenditure on road maintenance and conservation and the proportion of motorways in the total road network contribute to reducing road mortality. Contrariwise, greater investment in construction leads to an increase in the fatality rate.
Highlights
Road accidents are one of the main negative externalities of road transport, causing suffering and great losses of human capital to society as a whole
In the context of the European Union (EU), 25,047 people died as a result of a road accident in 2018, representing reductions of 1% compared to 2017 and 4% accumulated for the EU over the last 5 years [2]
In keeping with the long-term philosophy promoted by the EU, a further target consists of a 50% reduction in the number of deaths and serious injuries by 2030, the latter indicator being included for the first time in the strategic road safety plans [3]
Summary
Road accidents are one of the main negative externalities of road transport, causing suffering and great losses of human capital to society as a whole. For road transport to be sustainable (economically and socially), a reduction in the number of accidents is necessary. Road traffic accidents are the 8th cause of unnatural death among people of all ages, yet the 1st cause of death for the population from 5 to years old, and the 4th for the age group between and 44 [1]. In the context of the European Union (EU), 25,047 people died as a result of a road accident in 2018, representing reductions of 1% compared to 2017 and 4% accumulated for the EU over the last 5 years [2]. It appears practically impossible to achieve the objective set out in the European Road Safety Strategy of reducing traffic fatalities by 50% by 2020 (compared to the 2010 figure). In keeping with the long-term philosophy promoted by the EU, a further target consists of a 50% reduction in the number of deaths and serious injuries by 2030, the latter indicator being included for the first time in the strategic road safety plans [3]
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