Financial Constraints and Road Safety: The Impact of Funding on Safety Technologies
The road safety industry faces significant challenges in addressing the alarming rate of road accidents globally. One of the primary obstacles hindering the adoption of advanced safety technologies is the availability of funding. The financial constraints on governments and private organisations significantly impact the pace of adoption of safety technologies and the progress of infrastructure development, potentially delaying the realisation of safer roads for all road users.
Challenges in Funding Road Safety
The availability of funding directly impacts the pace of adoption of safety technologies and the progress of infrastructure development. Road safety initiatives frequently compete with other government priorities for funding, leading to potential reductions in investment in critical safety measures. This is particularly challenging for developing countries where resources are already limited.
Ladwa Solutions' Role in Guiding Developers and Organisations
Ladwa Solutions Inc. plays a crucial role in guiding large developers and organisations in planning their funds for the effective and necessary deployment of road safety equipment. The company's expertise in providing turnkey solutions, including installation and maintenance, helps clients ensure that their safety investments are optimised and aligned with their specific needs. By leveraging Ladwa's comprehensive product range and project execution methodology, clients can confidently allocate their resources to achieve maximum safety benefits.
Private Investment in Road Safety
The World Bank Group is seeking to mobilise private capital for road safety, recognising the potential for private investment to accelerate progress in this area. The bank has pledged to provide more than US$175 million in loans and grants for transport in low- and middle-income countries between 2012 and 2022, reconfirming its commitment to road safety through the Second Decade of Action.
Road Safety Policies and Programmes
Effective road safety policies and programmes are essential for reducing the number of road crashes. Developing countries like India have made significant progress in adopting road safety policies and programmes, but there is still a long way to go to achieve the desired level of safety.
Conclusion
The financial constraints on the road safety industry significantly impact the adoption of advanced safety technologies and the progress of infrastructure development. The industry must continue to innovate and leverage private investment to accelerate progress in this area. Governments and private organizations must work together to ensure that road safety initiatives receive the necessary funding to achieve the desired level of safety for all road users.
Pit Stop for Road Safety by RSI "Panos Mylonas" and Olympia Odos
The Road Safety Institute (RSI) "Panos Mylonas", in cooperation with Olympia Odos S.A. (Athens, Korinthos, Patra, Pyrgos motorway), held, for 4th year in a row, the driver information action "Pit Stop for Road Safety", on Friday 14/6 at the Motorists Service Station (MSS) of Megara.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and inform drivers about the significance of proper maintenance and vehicle health check before summer excursions.
During the action, staff of the two Organisations and volunteers carried out brief checks at key points of the vehicle related to road safety while giving advice on safe travel and highlighting the importance of prevention.
Furthermore, the participants in the activity had the opportunity to understand in a direct and experiential way the necessity of seat belt use for all passengers by trying RSI's belt sledge simulator. In addition, information was provided by specialised staff on the proper and safe use of baby - children’s car seats.
The important Road Safety initiative attracted extensive media coverage and positive feedback from the participants.
The action was also supported by AVIN, TotalEnergies, BeSafe and Flocafe.
Empowering Professionals in Tanzania: IRF Certifies a New Set of Road Safety Auditors
Tanzania has a new set of internationally certified road safety auditors thanks to a new training initiative being delivered by the International Road Federation (IRF) with the generous support from the TotalEnergies Foundation. Aiming to significantly improve road infrastructure safety practices in Africa and Asia, the initiative will include the delivery of Road Safety Audits training and certification every year and for the next three years initially in Tanzania, Uganda and India.
The Tanzania training - organised by IRF in collaboration with TanRoads (Tanzania National Roads Agency), was hosted at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar es Salaam from 3 to 14 June 2024. It saw the participation from a diverse group of professionals representing the Ministry of Works, TARURA, TanRoads, and the private sector, who were carefully selected on the basis of specific entry criteria in order to ensure from the start a qualified cohort.
Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience in conducting road safety audits across various road schemes. The curriculum, consists of of ten modules delivered over 60 hours of theory and practical learning and final exams.
Uganda and India are next on the list. Trainings are planned to be delivered in Uganda towards the end of August and in India in September.
This initiative underscores IRF's commitment to raising road safety audit standards globally. By empowering professionals and enhancing road safety measures, IRF aims to make significant strides in promoting safer road infrastructure across different regions.
With support of
YOURS Launches New Academy Module: Enhance Effectiveness Through Soft Skills Development
YOURS (Youth for Road Safety) has just launched the latest module of the YOURS Academy on "Cultivating Your Soft Skills to Enhance Your Effectiveness." This new module is designed to equip road safety advocates with essential "soft skills" that are crucial for making a significant impact in their advocacy work.
YOURS is a global organisation dedicated to youth empowerment and engagement in road safety issues. YOURS strives to reduce road traffic crashes and save lives through education, advocacy, and innovative programmes. The YOURS Academy, the definitive online e-learning road safety school, provides young leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to make a difference. Here, you can learn about the global road safety crisis facing youth at your own pace and in an exciting environment.
The new module focuses on building all those crucial "soft skills" to be great road safety advocates. Key sections of the module include:
- Presentation Skills: Learn to create incredible presentations using logical structures and well-designed formats, and harness the art of storytelling to transform a mediocre presentation into one that truly stands out.
- Public Speaking Skills: Discover techniques to boost confidence and engage your audience effectively. Learn from the masters and overcome nerves with a bonus tip on media training.
- Public Speaking Skills: Discover techniques to boost confidence and engage your audience effectively. Learn from the masters and overcome nerves with a bonus tip on media training.
In addition to this latest release, YOURS Academy offers five other modules that are of great interest to road safety advocates:
- The Global Road Safety Problem and Youth: Understand the magnitude of road safety issues and how they specifically impact young people.
- The Safe System Approach and the Risk Factors: Learn about the comprehensive approach to road safety that addresses various risk factors.
- Road Safety and the Broader Development Agenda: Explore how road safety intersects with broader global development goals.
- Meaningful Youth Participation in Road Safety: Discover ways to engage youth in road safety initiatives effectively.
- Advocacy 101: Gain foundational knowledge and skills for effective advocacy in road safety.
While all these modules are essential, we are particularly excited about the new soft skills module. Soft skills are vital for effective advocacy. While having in-depth knowledge of road safety is essential, communicating this knowledge persuasively and engagingly is equally important. This module bridges the gap between technical knowledge and practical advocacy skills.
We invite you to explore this module and enhance your effectiveness as a road safety advocate. Whether you want to improve your presentation skills, boost your public speaking confidence, or learn how to network effectively, this module has something for you.
Visit YOURS Academy to register and start learning today!
FIA Launches ‘FIA Helmet Wearing Programme’
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has launched a new 3-year ‘Helmet Wearing programme’ to raise awareness around the importance of wearing safe, high-quality helmets.
With powered two- and three-wheeler users making up 21% of road fatalities globally, the FIA has committed €300k to supporting selected local demonstration projects alongside FIA Member Clubs, organising training modules to help at-risk groups, and promoting community awareness on child helmet use.
The project, which will be scaled further from 2025, builds on previous work undertaken by FIA Member Clubs in South East Asia – (Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam), Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), South and Central America (Costa Rica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru).
The campaign was launched at the FIA’s 120th Anniversary Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Couriers from leading Uzbek delivery companies also attended the launch, which included an educational session led by national Club NAFKU (National Automobile Federation of Uzbekistan).
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “Here at the FIA, we are committed to improving road safety outcomes across our global communities. The FIA’s Helmet Wearing Programme will complement our existing efforts, by aiming to protect motorbike and scooter riders and cyclists. I am confident that we can drive measurable change through this campaign.”
The campaign is supported by funding from the FIA Foundation.
Credits: FIA
Hatko's "2 Pollutions 1 Solution": Sustainable Noise Barriers from Recycled Tyres
Motorways are the main source of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) and noise pollution. By virtue of the idea behind this strategy of “2 Pollutions 1 Solution” which aims to reduce the carbon footprint to the lowest possible level by taking a holistic approach to waste management, recycling, production, and noise reduction, HATKO converts these two major pollutions; traffic noise and end-of-life tyres generated by the motorways into one solution.
As for the solution: HATKO Sustainable Noise Barriers made of recycled rubber derived from ELTs create a circular economy by using recycling and repurposing methodology while achieving the maximum level of acoustic performance requires in the noise control sector.
In short, Hatko converts one truck tyre into 1 square metre of noise barrier, while the CO2 emission of 1 square metre of Hatko barrier is only 2.7 kg CO2 equivalent. Compared to incineration we can prevent 200 tonnes of CO2 eq. emission with 1 km. of roadside HATKO Noise Barriers.
Hatko Recycled Rubber Noise Barriers are sustainable, climate and maintenance free, compatible with hybrid systems such as with integrated solar panels which also helps to achieve net-zero. They can also be recycled at the end of their life.
Hatko provides exceptional end-to-end services by the help of its expert staff specialized in acoustics, construction, customer service, R&D, and supervision. Hatko measures, evaluated, and controls the noise.
Advancing Sustainable Road Infrastructure: Insights from the 5th Serbian Congress on Roads
The 5th Serbian Congress on Roads was held on 30 - 31 May 2024 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Belgrade. The goal of this year's congress was to raise awareness of the need to respect the principles of sustainable development of road infrastructure and environmental protection.
The topics of this year's congress were:
- Planning and designing - Examples and experiences
- Planning and designing - New technologies
- Management, construction and maintenance of roads
- ITS and new technologies in traffic
- Efficiency and safety of road traffic
- Sustainable development and environmental protection
In the Republic of Serbia, 15 highway routes, spanning 642 km, are currently under construction. The total investment for these projects exceeds 10 billion euros. Systematic planning for traffic and infrastructure continues with projects underway for the Kraljevo – Novi Pazar section, Požega – Kotroman section, extension of the Danube Corridor to Brza Palanka, and the design of Sector C of the Belgrade Bypass.
By the end of the year, 46 km of the Moravian Corridor is expected to open in two sections. Additionally, the completion of the high-speed roads Šabac – Loznica and Sremska Rača – Kuzmin, as well as the section from Pakovraće to Požega, are anticipated. This information was revealed at the Congress.
Most of the participants were from Serbia, but also from the entire region: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as from Italy, Austria, France, Poland and Germany.
Greening Transport: Highlights from the 2024 ITF Summit
The 2024 International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit, held in Leipzig, Germany on 22-24 May, gathered global leaders and experts to discuss how to green transport and keep focus in time of crises. A unique stage for the International Road Federation (IRF) to engage in high-level discussions, sign new and important partnerships and advance preparation for the IRF World Congress (15-18 October 2024).
Greening Latin America and the Caribbean: Accelerating e-Mobility
The International Road Federation kicked off the ITF Summit by moderating an official side event organised by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The session focused on the role of e-mobility in achieving low-carbon development goals in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Key speakers included Mr. William Camargo, Minister of Transport, Government of Colombia; Marta Serrano Balbuena, Secretary General for Land Transport; Ms. Cristina Albuquerque from Global Electric Mobility, WRI; Mr. Reinaldo Fioravanti from Inter-American Development Bank; and Mr. Shomik Mehndiratta, Transport in Europe and Central Asia, World Bank.
See ITF Summit website for more info on this session: https://summit.itf-oecd.org/2024/programme/
Digital Infrastructure: Promoting Climate-Proof and Resilient Transport
Robust digital infrastructure is instrumental in supporting resilient physical infrastructure, supply chains, automated vehicles (AVs) and overall transport systems. Together, these components form a powerful ecosystem, enhancing infrastructure planning, maintenance, and response capabilities.
On day 2 of the ITS Summit, IRF Director General Susanna Zammataro joined the session "Digital Infrastructure Promoting Climate-Proof and Resilient Transport," to discuss the role of digitalization with experts from Autocrypt, Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, ETA Advisors, and the Transportation Research Board (TRB).
Key points shared by IRF:
- Digitalisation is a real game changer in the road infrastructure sector allowing gains in natural resources usage, emissions reductions, resilience. It helps us embrace the “network level thinking” and enhances prioritization of expenditure and interventions.
- Monitoring progress. Responsibility and solutions often get lost within a system that primarily assigns them to state actors, lacking transparent mechanisms for monitoring progress and harnessing action by multiple stakeholders. Digitalisation brings change in progress monitoring.
- Developing the institutional capacity. Data and new technologies are crucial, but they are not enough. Developing the institutional capacity to plan and deliver change requires embracing innovation also at the level of systems, processes, and people. Fragmented jurisdictions, inadequate standards, lengthy bureaucratic procedures coupled with unskilled personnel hamper efficient and rapid implementation of new solutions.
Financing Green and Resilient Infrastructure: The Power of Digitalisation
On 23 May, the IRF co-organised a panel session with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), Oris Materials Intelligence, and the International Union of Railways (UIC). This session explored “The Power of Digitalisation in Ensuring Financing of Green and Resilient Linear Transportation Infrastructure”. The discussion highlighted the role of AI and data science in revolutionising infrastructure financing by predicting environmental and economic impacts from project inception.
The session was opened by H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, sharing the experience of his country which has made tremendous investments in transport infrastructure development over the recent years. The Minister extended to everyone an invitation to continue the conversation at the IRF World Congress to be hosted in Istanbul in October 2024. Francesc Carbonell, Head of the Transport Sector at UfM followed and provided an overview of priorities in the Mediterranean region. The panel discussion included high-level speakers from Oris, Alstom, Die Autobahn, the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). By sharing concrete case studies, the panelists delve deep into the complexities faced by public authorities and how digitalisation offers an innovative approach to meet the challenges they are currently facing. The conversation explored the delicate balance to be found between sustainable linear infrastructure financing and the need to keep budgets under control, to achieve a sustainable future for all.
The IRF signs strategic partnerships with the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)
The ITF Summit served as an opportunity to consolidate strategic alliances through the signing of institutional partnerships with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the International Transport Forum (ITF). These alliances aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, promote best practices, and undertake joint initiatives globally, focusing on key areas such as road safety, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and innovation. The collaboration will result, among other things, in the realisation of capacity-building workshops, the organisation of conferences and events, and the development of joint projects. By leveraging their respective expertise in these critical areas, the IRF and its partners aspire to promote positive change in the global transportation landscape.
"Collaboration is at the heart of the IRF's mission. Through strategic partnerships, the IRF is ready to lead transformative change in the road sector globally. By combining our expertise and resources with those of our partners, we can address the multifaceted challenges the sector faces and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future for global transportation," commented IRF Director General Susanna Zammataro at the signing of these new agreements.
On the Road to Istanbul: IRF Young Professional Talks Series with SLOCAT Partnership
A discussion on new technologies and solutions versus optimisation of the current transport system was the main feature of the first episode of the International Road Federation (IRF) Young Professional Talks Series last 30 May 2024, an event amplifying the engagement of young professionals in transport in the upcoming IRF World Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 15 - 18 October 2024.
The webinar with a unique debate-type structure was done in collaboration with the SLOCAT Partnership and Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF) Young Leaders in Sustainable Transport programme.
The IRF Young Professional Leaders and the SLOCAT-VREF Young Leaders were mixed and divided into two groups, each presenting arguments along with literature and case studies for either adopting new technologies or optimising current systems
The debate underscored the role of new technologies as potential catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and meeting the Paris Agreement targets for limiting global temperature rise. On the other hand, the group advocating for optimisation highlighted the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of enhancing existing transport systems.
Participants concluded that optimising current transport systems with new technologies could be a prudent initial step rather than completely replacing them. They also emphasised the critical role of policy, noting that investments in new technologies must align with government policies and strategic directions to be effective.
