In 2023, PIARC reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing road safety, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), by spearheading the Road Safety Knowledge Exchange Project. This ambitious project, conducted in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), tackled multifaceted road safety challenges prevalent across the globe.

The Road Safety Knowledge Exchange Project was meticulously designed to address a spectrum of critical issues, ranging from vehicle safety and speed management to infrastructure design and human behavior. Recognizing that a staggering 90% of traffic fatalities occur in LMICs, PIARC's Technical Committee 3.1 "Road Safety" took proactive steps to evaluate, identify, and disseminate evidence-based solutions tailored to the unique contexts of these regions.

The culmination of this project is marked by the release of a comprehensive final report, which encapsulates invaluable insights, recommendations, and best practices gleaned from extensive research and collaboration. By leveraging the expertise of stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners, PIARC aims to equip LMICs with the necessary tools and strategies to mitigate road traffic crashes and fatalities effectively.

Showcasing innovation and research

During the World Road Congress held in Prague in 2023, PIARC presented a series of papers focusing on innovative approaches and research findings in the field of road safety. These papers covered topics such as Road Safety Management Practices and Processes, as well as Knowledge Sharing on Road Safety. By disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering knowledge exchange, PIARC continues to drive advancements in road safety on a global scale.

• Read the article published in Routes/Roads: PIARC Prize "Road Safety" - Road Management System for Adverse Weather Conditions: Fog and Wind

Other sessions of interest related to road safety that took place during the Congress:

• Foresight Session 05 - Safe designs and speeds for active mobility and multimodal transport
• Foresight Session 08 - Mobilising investments and partnerships to deliver impact in road safety
• Workshop 13 - Boosting Sustainable Road Safety Solutions in LMICs

An abundance of resources at your fingertips

PIARC's enduring commitment to road safety extends beyond the confines of individual projects. Through its dedicated webpage, technical reports, and the acclaimed "Online Road Safety Manual" PIARC provides a wealth of resources accessible to all stakeholders. If you are looking for more technical content and calculators, note that PIARC's online Road Safety Manual will soon be enriched with material based on previously-published work. These resources serve as indispensable guides for countries at various stages of infrastructure development, facilitating the adoption of a holistic "Safe Systems" approach to road safety.

Fostering collaborative partnerships and initiatives

Beyond knowledge dissemination, PIARC actively fosters collaborative partnerships and initiatives on a global scale. Notably, PIARC collaborates with international organizations within the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) and supports initiatives such as the "Ten Step Plan Pilot" in Tanzania, funded by the UN Road Safety Fund. These efforts underscore PIARC's steadfast dedication to driving positive change and saving lives on roadways worldwide.

Further information:

• PIARC Road Safety Knowledge Exchange - Special Project
• The PIARC Global Road Safety Knowledge Exchange comes to an end
• PIARC work topic: Road Safety
• PIARC Road Safety Manual
• PIARC Technical Committee 3.1 "Road Safety"
• Ten Step Plan Pilot in Tanzania (information restricted to participants of the World Congress in Prague)