The award is given for exceptional
merit or endeavour by individuals or organisations involved
in motoring and mobility. The FIA Academy, which is made
up of eight senior members of the FIA and its national automobile
clubs, gave the award to Bridgestone primarily for the promotion
of its worldwide Think Before You Drive campaign.
The trophy, a crystal globe surrounded by a silver-plated
flower, was presented to Bridgestone CEO and President Shoshi
Arakawa in a VIP pre-awards ceremony at the FIA Gala in the
Monaco Sporting Club.
Shoshi Arakawa, , Bridgestone Corporation, said: “I'm
extremely pleased and proud to accept this prestigious award
on behalf of Bridgestone. Since 2005, we have teamed up with
the FIA Foundation to actively promote road safety through
the Think Before You Drive campaign, which has been conducted
in almost 80 countries successfully.
“We are continuously pursuing our road safety initiatives
for the future, emphasising Bridgestone's commitment to safety
and contributing to the global goal of reducing the number
of road deaths and casualties.”
FIA President Max Mosley, who presented the award, said: "Bridgestone's
commitment to the development and promotion of road safety
makes them a worthy recipient of the FIA World Prize. We
look forward to continuing our campaign partnership as the
FIA and the FIA Foundation seek to progress improvements
in road safety around the world."
The Think Before You Drive campaign message, promoted in
conjunction with the FIA Foundation, has reached every region
of the world and is backed by FIA member clubs from more
than 60 countries.
The campaign, which was launched in 2005, identifies the
main causes of serious or fatal crashes and urges motorists
to implement simple safety measures before they drive. These
are actions which take just a few seconds but which can also
save lives, such as checking tyres, fastening seat belts,
using child restraints and adjusting head rests.
These safety messages have been promoted by major motor
sport personalities including seven-time Formula One world
champion Michael Schumacher as well as fellow drivers Rubens
Barrichello and Mark Webber.
In addition to promoting this campaign, Bridgestone has
been a major advocate for road safety in general. It is a
member of the Global Road Safety Partnership and Shigeo Watanabe,
board member and former CEO and President, has been an active
participant in the Commission on Global Road Safety.
Last year’s World Prize was awarded to Pietro Lunardi,
Italy’s Minister for Infrastructures and Transport,
for his exceptional work in Road Safety in Italy.
Bridgestone's Safety Campaign video footage is available
to view in Windows Media format. Please choose your preferred
resolution:
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