Presentation of USER approach

SURE - Sécurité des Usagers sur les Routes Existantes [User Safety on Existing Roads]

Road Safety : infrastructure’s role
System-based analysis of road accidents has shown that the “infrastructure” factor is present in 40% of fatal accidents. Under these circumstances, it was therefore logical for the State, as road manager, to highlight its positive contribution to road safety improvement at infrastructure level. This was made effective through official implementation of the SURE approach at the Road Safety Interministerial Meeting of 7th July 2004 and the decision to apply this approach to the entire French national network as of January 2005.

In 2005, the Ministry’s Roads General Directorate initially released an additional 6 million euros to start practical application on the 15 pilot routes (see map) on the national road network, based on the conclusions of SURE diagnoses, proving its determination to implement successfully this approach to improving infrastructure safety. This financial effort has been amplified in step with method deployment throughout the national network.
SURE will undoubtedly contribute to saving many lives by promoting scientific consideration of the entire national road network before dealing with problematic route sections.

Introduction to the SURE approach
SETRA, supported by the Ministry’s scientific and technical network, has drawn up a comprehensive approach to road safety, applicable to the French national road network by State-devolved services.