Tag - EU

From April 10 to 12, 2024, El Salvador hosted the significant Foro Internacional de Seguridad Vial Infantil (FISEVI 2024), organized by the Gonzalo Rodríguez Foundation and the Government of El Salvador. This forum has become a cornerstone event for discussing and advancing road safety in Latin America, especially focusing on children.

One of the contributions to the forum was from Mr. Marcelo Martínez, Chairperson of the CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Latin America. Representing CITA, Martínez took a prominent role in the panel “Fiscalización y Control,” where he detailed various models of Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) systems. His discussion centered around CITA Recommendation 20, exploring its adaptation to the realities of Latin American countries to ensure compliance with technical vehicle inspections.

The panel also featured significant figures such as Alfredo Alvayero, General Director of Transit of El Salvador, and Juan José Olaizola, Vice Minister of Transportation of Uruguay, who shared insights into their countries' efforts towards enhancing road safety. The collaborative efforts highlighted the importance of integrating technology with skilled personnel training to enhance traffic enforcement effectiveness.

Diego Coiro of CIEMSA highlighted the need to tailor road safety strategies to the specific conditions of each territory, emphasizing the importance of sharing and exchanging experiences across borders. Meanwhile, Juan José Olaizola discussed Uruguay's practical application of surveillance tools, demonstrating significant improvements in road safety metrics following the implementation of new technologies, such as extensive radar systems.

Alfredo Alvayero spoke about El Salvador’s holistic approach to road safety, which includes intense public awareness and regulation of driving schools and instructor certification processes as part of a broader national road safety plan.

The forum was enriched with educational sessions led by experts like Fred Wegman, Emeritus Professor at Delft University, who moderated discussions on the need for visibility in law enforcement and the use of automated enforcement technologies. Panels also discussed the integration of various road safety components, such as vehicle safety standards, infrastructure improvements, and legislative measures.

The event concluded with a declaration of commitment to the goals of the UN’s Global Road Safety Plan and the Stockholm Declaration, aiming to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030. The declaration emphasized the need for strong political leadership and international cooperation to protect children on the roads.

For more information please visit the FISEVI website

April 11, 2024. A delegation from the Vietnam Register, composed by Mr. Nguyen Chien Thang, the General Director, alongside Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, Director of the Vehicle Inspection Department, made a significant visit to CITA headquarters in Brussels.

This visit is part of a broader European tour undertaken by the Vietnamese delegation aimed at garnering inspiration and insights to refine and elevate the PTI standards in Vietnam. The delegation’s decision to include CITA in their itinerary underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing vehicle safety and environmental standards globally.

Vietnam Register has been an active participant in CITA’s endeavors, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to advancing vehicle inspection protocols and safety measures. Over the years, Vietnam Register has not only hosted several CITA activities but also assumed the chairmanship of the CITA Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Asia/Australasia. This role has significantly contributed to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and implementing innovative inspection solutions across the region.

During their visit, Mr. Nguyen Chien Thang and Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong engaged in in-depth discussions with CITA Executive Director Mr. Eduard Fernández , focusing on the latest trends in vehicle inspection, technological advancements, and the challenges of adapting to rapidly changing transportation ecosystems. These conversations are invaluable for Vietnam Register as they seek to integrate these insights into Vietnam's PTI frameworks, aiming to enhance safety, compliance, and environmental sustainability.

This visit is a testament to the power of international collaboration in advancing safety standards worldwide, setting a precedent for future engagements and joint initiatives.

In an ambitious effort to address the persisting safety challenges on rural roads, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) unveiled a detailed report in March 2023, shedding light on the conditions of these crucial pathways across the European Union. Rural roads, characterized by their lower traffic density but higher rates of fatal accidents compared to urban streets, have long been the focus of safety improvement initiatives. The ETSC's latest publication offers a holistic view of the efforts, outcomes, and ongoing challenges in enhancing rural road safety in 2022.

On a positive note, several countries have shown remarkable improvements in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, thanks to enhanced road infrastructure, better enforcement of traffic laws, and widespread public safety campaigns. Innovations such as improved signage, road resurfacing, and the implementation of intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) technologies have played pivotal roles in these successes.

However, the report also highlights areas of concern. Despite overall progress, certain regions continue to struggle with high rates of accidents and fatalities, underscoring the uneven distribution of safety measures and infrastructure quality. A significant portion of accidents on rural roads is attributed to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the lack of seat belt usage among passengers.

To combat these challenges, the ETSC puts forth several recommendations, including the acceleration of infrastructure upgrades to ensure all rural roads meet minimum safety standards, a stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws, and the expansion of public awareness campaigns to promote safe driving practices. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of leveraging technology, such as ISA and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, to further reduce accident rates.

The ETSC's report serves as both a progress marker and a call to action for EU member states, local governments, and stakeholders. As the EU aims for a "Vision Zero" target, seeking to eliminate all road fatalities by 2050, the focus on rural roads is more critical than ever. Achieving this ambitious goal will require a concerted effort, involving not just government interventions, but also community engagement and individual responsibility.

• Download the Report here