DRSC concludes “highly valuable” online course on powered two-wheeler road safety

At the end of last year, DRSC delivered its first dedicated online course focused on powered two-wheeler road safety for over 20 participants from across four continents. The course was led by Dr. Hilda María Gómez, a road safety expert and consultant from Colombia, and covered five thematic areas with important input from the World Health Organisation: P2W and road safety, vehicle safety and personal protection equipment, infrastructure, training and licencing process (including enforcement), and work-related P2W safety. 

The use of powered two- and three-wheelers (P2W) as a family vehicle, recreational, public transportation, for commuting, and business, has been growing in the past two decades, being the main mode of transport in many low- and middle-income countries. This rapid growth without adequate planning has brought many injuries and fatalities.  

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, with significantly higher fatality rates than those in four-wheeled vehicles across low and middle income countries. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive approach is necessary: addressing factors such as rider education, infrastructure design, vehicle safety, and law enforcement. 

However, to date interventions have focused on how to mitigate injury to users (e.g. use of helmets), and how to mitigate crash risk. There remains a lack of knowledge on the way to address P2W safety as part of the Safe System Approach. 

The main objective of this course therefore was to present a comprehensive view of the reality of P2Ws in low and middle income countries, and explain how to address P2W safety using the principles of the Safe System Approach.  

The course received high praise and recommendations from the participants, with many citing practical applications that they plan to implement in their work going forward.