Groundbreaking policy recommendations

Ministers of the 69 International Transport Forum member countries including India agreed on groundbreaking policy recommendations on road safety and on the use of AI at the ITF Annual Summit in Leipzig, Germany, in May 2025

The recommendation on road safety included building the policy and initiatives based on data and evidence. Investment in the capacity to collect, analyse and use data to inform policy interventions and evaluate, monitor and report publicly on the effectiveness of interventions was recommended as in-depth analyses of previous accidents can support the selection of appropriate future interventions. Strengthening national crash data systems, including addressing under-reporting of road collisions where this is an issue, would be essential to support this effort. Resources should also be directed at the design and evaluation of interventions that reduce risk.

Road safety policies have to be implemented on multiple levels following a risk-based approach and by ensuring active involvement and cooperation from all stakeholders. Focusing on integrating measures on infrastructure, vehicles, traffic management and road-user behaviour could create multiplier effects and reduce risk when road users make mistakes. Ensuring a safe environment for all road users is a critical part of cross-agency integration.

Prioritising interventions where the greatest number of lives can be saved was another recommendation. The prioritisation would be localised based on road usage and financial constraints. Many tools have been created by governments and other organizations as possible guides to policy development at both local and national levels. Managing speed is important to improving road safety, as it contributes to crash likelihood and severity. In considering setting safe speed limits, the road function, the risk level and the mix of different road users should be taken into account. Other interventions such as roundabouts and road infrastructure design should be considered.

Supporting safe behaviour of all road users is imperative to reduce the number of killed and seriously injured. This requires compliance with traffic laws such as speed limits, seat belt use, use of personal protective equipment and helmets, and adherence to road signals, alongside fostering a culture of mutual responsibility and respect among road users.

 Road safety campaigns and education encouraging awareness, including on the issues of advanced technologies, distraction while driving and responsibility, can be efficient in this respect. Accelerating deployment of vehicle technologies such as advanced braking systems for powered two-wheelers, advanced emergency braking, electronic stability control for light duty vehicles and other safety enhancing technologies can be promoted.

The private sector can make positive contributions to road safety within their organizations and to this end, a voluntary Global Road Safety Assessment Framework for Corporate Action and Reporting has been developed to accelerate the adoption of best practice across supply chains. In addition, there needs to be coordinated decision-making across government departments with responsibility for road safety, transport, infrastructure and internal affairs coordinating with police, emergency and health systems to manage traffic and road trauma.

AI systems are transforming many industries, and transport is no exception. On the one hand, it is expected to make travel safer, more efficient and more sustainable for our collective future, thereby contributing to better outcomes for all. On the other hand, like any innovation, AI systems may also present significant challenges, including, but not limited to, data security, accuracy, and privacy. The number of malicious cyberattacks has grown considerably and could result in major impacts for both freight and passenger movements.

Source ITF