Virginia Tanase Transport Division, UNECE, Geneva IRU Academy Seminar on Driver Competence 28 January 2010 A Global Perspective on Driver Competence

2 Main road safety-related UN legal instruments Convention on Road Traffic, 1949 and 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals, 1949 and 1968 Global Vehicles Regulations, 1998 ITP Agreement of 1997 AETR Agreement, 1970 ATP Agreement of 1970 ADR Agreement 1957 and its Protocol of 1993

3 Working Party on Road Traffic Safety (WP.1) Road Traffic Rules (including driving license): Conventions on Road Traffic, of 1949 and 1968 –Resolution no. 1 on road traffic (set of best practices) Road Signs and Signals (including markings): Protocol/Convention on Road Signs and Signals, of 1949/ 1968 –Resolution no.2 on road signs and signals (set of best practices) The UNECE’s Working Party on Road Traffic Safety (WP.1) is, since 1950, the only permanent inter- governmental body in the United Nations dealing with road safety- all road safety stakeholders are welcome!

4 Road safety basic legislation Legal instruments  Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna 1968 (consolidated)  Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Vienna 1968 (consolidated) Sets of best practices  Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1)  Consolidated Resolution on Road Signs and Signals (R.E.2)

5 Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna 1968  Facilitates international road traffic in 69 countries,  Enhances road safety through  Uniform rules –for drivers and other road users –for road vehicles  Set of best practices: Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1)

6 Key Provisions Binds Contracting Parties to admit, but preserves their right to refuse General and specific rules for drivers: –At all times able to control their vehicle –Must hold a driving permit, issued after tests –Driving rules: speed, distance, overtaking,.... Convention on Road Traffic, 1968

7 Road Traffic, 1968

8 Source: FIA European Bureau Accession versus implementation

9 Source: FIA European Bureau Accession versus implementation

10 Global perspective Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 –6 chapters, 56 articles, 7 annexes Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) –4 parts, 16 chapters,7 annexes

11 Example- the driver Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 Article 8 “Drivers” […] 4. Every driver of a power-driven vehicle shall possess the knowledge and skill necessary for driving the vehicle; […]

12 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) General principles of professional instruction (a) Professional driving instruction should be based on the following main considerations […]

13 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Instructors Professional tuition should be given only by instructors approved by the competent national authority in accordance with the conditions set out in annex IV to this Consolidated Resolution.[…]

14 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Annex III Minimum requirements for professional driving instruction - driving instructors eligibility for recognition disqualification maintenance of standards

15 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Vehicles used for tuition (a)Motor vehicles used for practical tuition should be so equipped that […] Tuition (a) The tuition provided should aim at promoting a correct attitude and behaviour in all kinds of traffic situations, cover all the matters set out in annex IV and follow the methods set out in annexes V and VI […]

16 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Annex IV Minimum requirements for professional driving instruction - scope of tuition theoretical practical

17 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Annex V Guidelines for methods of professional tuition Principal guidelines Methods of theoretical tuition Methods of practical tuition : drivers of motor cycles, drivers of motor vehicles of Category B (page 150), C and D and additional minimum requirements for CE, DE and subcategories C1E and D1E...very well structured and detaileddetailed

18 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Annex VI Additional recommendations for professional drivers of vehicles of categories C, D, CE, DE and sub-categories C1E and D1E - training programme Six areas in which safety-conscious driving is particularly important have been selected for additional driving instruction for professional drivers and these are […]…

19 Example- the driver Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic (R.E.1) Instruction in the driving of heavy goods and passenger vehicles (a) In addition to the instruction necessary to obtain a driving permit, it is recommended that drivers of heavy goods and passenger vehicles […] Supervision The continued application of the provisions set out in points to above should be checked at regular intervals by the competent authorities First aid training (a) Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that candidates for driver’s licences receive proper training concerning […]

20 Example- the driver Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 Article 41 “Driving permits” (Provisions applicable from 29 March 2011 (see new article 43)) 1. […] (b)Contracting Parties undertake to ensure that driving permits are issued only after verification by the competent authorities that the driver possesses the required knowledge and skills; the persons authorized to check if drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills must have appropriate qualifications; the contents and procedure of both theoretical and practical exams are regulated by national legislation;

21 Haddon matrix Source: Berkeley University, USA

22 Closing remarks Driver’s competence is important for: –efficiency of road transport –preserving environment –a long term career of choice –facilitation of road transport, and above all –road traffic safety!!! Harmonization of training and assessment standards would have higher expected return if based on international multilateral legal instruments and best practices - additional sub-regional requirements possible (e.g. acquis communautaire)

23 Thank you for your kind attention! 23 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe