Press Releases
09 Nov 2021
Discussion on the challenges and way forward towards zero road deaths by 2030
In a panel discussion by key personnel at the 18th IRF Global meet held in Dubai challenges and solutions were discussed towards achieving zero road deaths by 2030. The panel included Dan Chen, Vice President of 3M’s Transportation Safety Division, Dr. Benjamín Colucci-Ríos, Transportation Engineering Professor of the University of Puerto Rico, Hon. Mavis Nkansah-Boadu, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways Ghana, Chris Sanders, IRF Board member and Chair of its Road Safety, H.E Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General, Intelligent Transport Center, Abu Dhabi, Ms. Song Hye Yeon Deputy Director of Road Facility Safety division in Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport(MOLIT) of Republic of Korea
Each expert presented facts on what can be done towards dropping roads fatalities noting that what works in one city may not work in the other. Some of the measures include partnerships between the Government and Private Sector, road safety audits, awareness in the society , need for better collaborations, safer speed, safer road designs, new transportation means and most importantly a strategic plan with purpose, mission, vision and goal.
Cost effective measures were discussed by each expert where education and awareness across schools, and media channels was the top choice. It was emphasized that the awareness messages have to be adapted and tailored especially when a city has multi cultures and behavior. In terms of funding to ensure safety of road users continuous change while planning and change in infrastructure to adapt to new modes of transport as well as introduction of micro-mobility with safe measures will play a major role.
At the end of the panel discussion two ‘Find a Way Award’ was presented. One to Benjamín Colucci-Ríos, Transportation Engineering Professor of the University of Puerto Rico for his passion and continuous engagement in road safety and the second to H.E Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General, Intelligent Transport Center, Abu Dhabi for his role in making Abu Dhabi a safer city.