Excellence in Road Safety Awards recognise innovative projects across five categories

The Excellence in Road Safety Awards 2024 took place on Thursday, 14 November, in Brussels and online, hosted by the European Road Safety Charter. The event honoured innovative efforts across Europe to enhance road safety, with awards presented in five categories: Urban Road Safety, Pedestrians and Cyclists, Education, Motorcycling, and Technology and Innovation.

• Urban Road Safety Winner: The Commune di Bologna was awarded for its City 30 initiative. With 73 % of crashes in Italy (IT) occurring on urban roads, Bologna has implemented extensive measures to improve safety. Key actions include designating 70 % of the city as 30 km/h zones, backed by a EUR 24 million investment. Public consultation played a vital role, with nearly 20 000 residents contributing feedback. Early results from 2024 indicate a 14.5 % reduction in crashes and a 12.6 % decrease in injuries, showcasing progress towards safer urban environments. 
• Pedestrians and Cyclists: Spain’s (ES) Axencia Galega de Infraestruturas won for its Alternative Mobility Strategy in Galicia, which developed over 280 km of dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths on interurban routes with a EUR 143.4 million investment. These efforts have resulted in zero reported accidents.
• Education: The LEARN! Project was awarded for standardising road safety education across Europe, producing guidance and recommendations for educators.
• Motorcycling: Austria’s (AT) KFV won for its W-shaped road markings, reducing injury-related motorcycle crashes on bends by 80 %.
• Technology and Innovation: Germany’s (DE) Centre for Traffic Management Bavaria was recognised for implementing intelligent systems in traffic lights, enhancing emergency vehicle prioritisation and collision warning capabilities.

The People’s Choice Award was presented to Platforma VIZE 0 for its campaign addressing aggressive driving.

The 2024 Excellence in Road Safety Awards showcased outstanding contributions to improving road safety across Europe. These efforts not only create safer streets but also promote sustainable urban living.

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.