LS3 Safety Spotlight: be road safe

Road safe

Written by: HSE Department

As CERN prepares for LS3, road safety – one of the nine newly approved CERN Safety Fundamentals  – is more critical than ever. Increased traffic, movement of equipment and a higher density of people and vehicles across the site raise the risk of accidents. In 2024 and 2025, there were 210 reported road safety incidents on CERN sites, 90 of which involved bicycles. The most common causes remain lack of attention and failure to respect other road users. Almost every accident is preventable, and every road user plays a vital role in keeping our community safe.

We can all contribute to making our shared roads safe by committing to these principles:

  • Whatever my mode of transport, I use and share the roads safely, respecting all users and being mindful of my surroundings.
  • I always pay full attention when in or around vehicles, avoiding distractions and staying focused.
  • I wear safety equipment (seatbelts in cars, helmets on two wheels) because safety starts with me.
  • I follow road safety signs, especially those indicating speed limits, priority rules and reverse parking, to ensure smooth and predictable traffic flow.
  • I adapt to road conditions and visibility, slowing down in poor weather conditions or low light.
  • I never use a phone or operate devices while on the move, keeping my hands free and my focus on the road. In Switzerland, one in four road accidents  is due to distraction and inattention while driving a vehicle.
  • I stay alert at crossings and building exits, where pedestrians and vehicles often interact.
  • I notice and avoid vehicle blind spots, making sure I’m visible and others can see me.

If you are involved in or witness an incident, accident or near miss, submit a report within 24 hours using the Incident Declaration Form. These reports help us continually improve the site’s road infrastructure for our collective safety.

To find out more, visit the CERN Road Safety webpages and consult the 9 CERN Safety Fundamentals. The SCE Department offers a wide variety of mobility solutions: why not rent an e-bike or an e-scooter, or take advantage of the new autonomous shuttle in operation between Meyrin and Prévessin?

Safety first. Safety always.

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