SWOV is the centre point for road safety research in the Netherlands and was founded in 1962. SWOV’s objective is to contribute to road safety by means of scientific research and dissemination of the results. The mission of SWOV can be described in three tasks. Firstly, SWOV carries out, in agreement with the Ministry of Transport, research which will influence the road safety policy in the middle and long term. Secondly, recommendations are made for measures to improve road safety which are based on results of scientific research, either done by SWOV or others. Thirdly, knowledge is distributed to professional users. The position which the Netherlands has acquired in the field of road safety, makes SWOV recognised throughout the world. Within SWOV, about 40 researchers, plus supporting staff, work on road safety research. Other areas which also have an inflence on road safety are also involved in the research. Prominent areas are public health, physical planning, mobility, and the environment.
SWOV has conducted or commissioned numerous studies, published over a thousand papers, and organised many meetings and conferences. SWOV has also participated in various projects sponsored by the European authorities, including HOPES, SAMOVAR, SARTRE, SAFESTAR, GADGET, MASTER, ARROWS, ADONIS, DUMAS, PROMISING, COMPATIBILITY, ADVISORS, ALCOLOCKS, IMMORTAL and PENDANT. SWOV staff frequently visit and give presentations at scientific congresses, seminars, workshops, etc in the Netherlands and abroad.
Exchange of knowledge and information also takes place in various commissions, such as PIARC, FERSI, ETSC and OECD.
More information about SWOV can be obtained from: www.swov.nl