Workshop on Improving the Road Safety Engineering Profession and Addressing Risk Factors for Road Safety in the CAREC Region
The CAREC Institute hosted a webinar on “How the Road Safety Engineering Profession Can Improve Road Safety in CAREC” on 25 June and “Risk Factors for Road Safety: Evidence-based Initiatives to Save Lives” on 30 July which served as the third phase of its comprehensive capacity-building program, “CAREC Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility Course.” This event was made possible through the generous support of several partners, including the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport, the Global Road Safety Partnership, and the International Road Assessment Programme. The primary objective of this capacity-building program is to empower professionals in the CAREC region by equipping them with the best-practice knowledge and techniques in road safety.
Road safety is a vital aspect in CAREC countries, as roads are not only conduits for travel but also the threads that bind communities together through the movement of people and goods. The responsibility to maintain safe road conditions for all users is paramount. Renowned road safety experts Mr. Phillip Jordan, Principal Consultant of Road Safety International, and Mr. David Cliff, CEO of the Global Road Safety Partnership, spoke on road safety engineering, road safety audit, and managing risk factors to emphasize ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
During his talk, Mr. Jordan engaged with participants on how to investigate and address “high crash frequency” areas with cost-effective measures. He emphasized the significance of having access to comprehensive crash data and how engineers and experts can avert crashes on new roads by incorporating the road safety audit process into the planning, design, and construction of road projects.
Mr. Jordan outlined the significant role that road safety engineers can play in making CAREC roads safer for everyone. He declared, “The world requires more road safety engineers.” He further stated, “We must continue to prioritize road safety in our efforts, so we minimize human errors on the roads and offer leniency to users in the event of such errors, sparing them from serious injury or death.”
Mr. Cliff’s talk delved into the various road safety risks, offering clear and comprehensive insights, including tangible actions such as the significance of helmet and seat belt usage, the employment of child restraint systems, and the prevention of driver distractions. He particularly emphasized the efficacy of combining public awareness campaigns, robust legislation, and stringent enforcement as key drivers of behavioral change. Additionally, he provided access to existing guidelines, which CAREC countries can utilize to refine their road safety policies.
The initial participating countries for the program are Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants have successfully completed the first two stages of the CAREC Institute’s road safety capacity-building program. The initial stage was an online capacity-building module, where participants underwent a tailored series of online trainings on global best practices in road safety interventions. This was followed by the second stage, a comprehensive, week-long in-person workshop in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic. During this phase, participants had the chance to work closely with international experts, exchange knowledge, and craft effective strategies to tackle road safety issues in their home countries. Subsequent rounds of the course will include participants from other CAREC countries.
The knowledge acquired by participants throughout the three stages of the program is not only for their personal development but also for the broader goal of advancing road safety across the CAREC region. We must remember that every life preserved on our roads is a testament to our dedication and efforts. Our initiatives have the potential to effect enduring change, and it is our duty to apply this knowledge to our respective roles.