Mobility marketplace minute: safe urban roads

Road safety is a critical global issue, with road traffic injuries being one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Every year, approximately 1.19 million people lose their lives in road accidents, and millions more suffer serious injuries. Developing countries bear the brunt of this crisis, accounting for over 90% of road traffic deaths despite having only about 60% of the world's vehicles. Factors such as poor infrastructure, lack of enforcement of traffic laws, and inadequate road safety education contribute to this alarming situation. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts and collaboration at international, national and local levels. 

Innovative solutions being developed in Africa  

Africa faces a severe road safety crisis, with the highest per capita rate of road fatalities worldwide. The TRANS-SAFE project addresses road safety issues in Africa by implementing the Safe System approach. The Safe System approach prioritises injury prevention over just addressing crash causes, considering the interplay between speed, vehicles, road infrastructure and user behaviour in a comprehensive manner. By managing these elements together, the approach aims for a more effective overall safety outcome, ensuring road users remain protected even if one component fails. The multipronged approach focuses on improving road infrastructure, traffic management and public education.  

In the framework of the TRANS-SAFE project, effective approaches for road safety development currently being tested in Cape Town, South Africa; Kigali, Rwanda; Lusaka, Zambia; and Kumasi, Ghana aim to create safer and more sustainable urban environments. These initiatives include enhancing pedestrian safety, developing digital traffic management systems and promoting better driver behaviour. Through these efforts, the project seeks to significantly reduce road traffic deaths and injuries, fostering safer communities across the continent. 

Improving micromobility safety 

In addition to large-scale infrastructure projects, enhancing micromobility safety is a key component of modern urban transportation strategies. A notable initiative in this area involves using computer vision technology to improve scooter parking safety. Implemented by Luna in partnership with the local operator ‘hop’ in Istanbul, this initiative allows users to take a picture of the scooter to confirm it is safely parked, ensuring compliance with parking regulations and reducing sidewalk clutter and pedestrian hazards. 

The pilot project has shown promising results in making scooter usage more orderly and safer for pedestrians. The computer vision system identifies and flags incorrect parking, while the requirement for users to photograph their parked scooters ensures accountability. This not only enhances the user experience by providing immediate feedback but also aids city authorities in maintaining cleaner and safer urban environments. By integrating advanced technology into everyday transportation solutions, cities like Istanbul can create safer, more efficient and more user-friendly environments for all road users. 

Solutions for a safer urban mobility in cities 

As we aim to create a safer tomorrow, solutions like Safely, VOOVOO and the R.O.A.D System are shaping the evolution of urban mobility. Safely offers a platform that converts accident data into actionable analysis, aiding decision-making for all road users, including vulnerable ones. VOOVOO has developed technology to mitigate speeding and reckless driving in commercial fleets, while the R.O.A.D System provides visual proof of the condition of cycling and walking infrastructure, helping authorities prioritise improvements. These innovative solutions collectively contribute to safer, more efficient urban mobility. 

If you are looking for more insights on urban mobility, the Mobility Innovation Marketplace is your go-to platform. You can explore market-ready mobility solutions, gain insights into urban mobility projects and news and discover opportunities to boost your business.