The new report from Together for Safer Roads includes guidelines for fleet use of V2V and V2I communications.  Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Transportation.

The new report from Together for Safer Roads includes guidelines for fleet use of V2V and V2I communications. Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Transportation.

A coalition of global companies has released a report offering guidelines on how to apply new technologies — including autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles and infrastructure and telematics — to improve overall fleet safety worldwide.

The coalition, Together for Safer Roads (TSR), has timed the report release so that it precedes World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28. The guidelines are aligned with a United Nations road safety initiative that identifies five pillars: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users and post-crash response.

“A range of technologies, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies, can help a driver navigate dangerous roadways and bridges, congestion and construction areas, and weather,” the report summary notes. “These technologies may include Global Positioning System (GPS), work zone warning, weather impact warning, and restricted lane warning.”

Globally, 25-33% of road crashes are work-related, and 36% of occupational deaths are due to crashes, according to the World Health Organization.

“Fleet drivers crashing at a higher rate than privately registered vehicles demand an urgent and collective response from the business community,” said Greg Martin, chief operating officer and executive director of TSR.

The report is a practical guide that provides companies of all sizes a step-by-step approach to understand and execute the types of technologies designed to improve safety. TSR member companies, who have implemented and analyzed these technologies, have contributed their expertise to identify best practices.

“Technology solutions can help minimize risks and improve road safety,” Martin said. “Although, only if they are assessed and monitored before and during implementation, and those employing them are trained on a recurring basis.”

The coalition is also honoring World Day for Safety and Health at Work by educating its employees, contractors and partners on how to be safer road users. Member companies are participating in various activities, including town hall meetings and safety training sessions.

“People are a company’s greatest asset, and the private sector must create a culture of safety for them,” Martin said. “The private sector is known for its innovative spirit, creative thinking, and nimbleness in approaching challenges. Every company has a responsibility to bring this philosophy to road safety.”

This is the third year TSR and its members have recognized World Day for Safety and Health at Work. In 2016, TSR’s efforts engaged more than 1 million people, across 45 countries, on the importance of road safety.

To download the report, click here.

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