The event, which is the leading ministerial meeting on transport in Latin America and the Caribbean, focused on accelerating progress toward safer roads across Latin America and the Caribbean – a critical priority as we reach the midpoint of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Frank Fotia participated in a high-level panel, joining regional leaders and experts to discuss urgent strategies for improving road safety and accelerating the implementation of life-saving measures across Latin America and the Caribbean. Joining at the event was also Alvaro Oliver Venere, President of the Automóvil Club Dominicano (ACD).

During the panel, Frank reminded the audience that FIA and its Clubs are trusted allies in road safety, committed to making mobility safer, more affordable and more sustainable for everyone. Through research, data, and collaboration, our Clubs have promoted scalable, high-impact and low-cost solutions in Region III. 

Key initiatives include:

• HEADS UP! Regional Think Tank: Hosted in Kingston, Jamaica, by FIA Member Club the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), this forum united policymakers, civic society, and technical experts to address motorcycle helmet use and safety.
• FIA Helmet Wearing Programme and Keep Fighting Foundation Partnership: FIA Member Club the Asociación Nacional Automovilística ANA A.C., certified helmets were distributed free of charge to riders who rely on motorcycles for work and daily transport.
• Safe Mobility 4 All and 4 Life programme: In partnership with UNITAR, 13 Clubs across the Americas built capacity alongside their government authorities and co-developed evidence-based projects
• Private Sector Engagement: The FIA Road Safety Index enables companies measure and improve their road safety footprint. By partnering with important fleet operators worldwide, the FIA is driving meaningful change at scale to saves lives on the road. American-based global corporations such as Amazon and Uber have already received the highest rating of the Index and NYC DCAS is currently implementing it. 

On the panel, Frank concluded his talk with three urgent priorities:

·       Prioritise vulnerable road users – motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

·       Be data-driven – use crash and injury data to target interventions.

·       Leverage public education campaigns – partner with local influencers and FIA Clubs to change behaviours

Another major highlight of the event welcomed by ACD was the announcement by the Dominican Republic government, which introduced bold new measures to protect road users:

·       Mandatory helmet use for all cyclists

·       Mandatory driver education for motorcyclists

·       Acceptance of international safety standards

This event reinforced the key message that road safety is a shared responsibility. By working together — governments, private sector, academia and civil society — we can accelerate progress and save lives.