The European Driving Schools Association recently concluded its high-profile meeting in Spielberg, Austria, hosted by WKO, the Austrian Driving Schools Association. The summit served as a pivotal platform for outlining the federation’s strategic roadmap, emphasizing research, development, and international networking. Key discussions focused on the latest European driving license directives and the progress of the TRUST project, alongside new Erasmus+ initiatives.

A significant portion of the assembly was dedicated to innovation, with a special focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence into driver training to enhance safety and efficiency. The association also reached major institutional milestones, welcoming Lithuania, Moldova, and Poland as full members, while expanding its network with new associate members like Anglat and Guidosimplex.

Furthermore, the EFA reinforced its commitment to inclusivity by working on international standards for teaching people with disabilities. The event concluded with an engaging practical session at the Red Bull Ring circuit, where participants put the latest training theories into practice.

See you in Slovakia on October 2026!

Enrique Lorca EFA President

Stefano Ebner  2nd vice President

Link of the video of the event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iz9CSFSuQzJ-e_4ycNx6cw3SM1JKwX8O/view

Italian Driving Instructors become Life-Savers: The First BLSD Instructor Course for UNASCA

BOLOGNA, Italy – A significant milestone for road safety and public health was reached on March 28th at the headquarters of the IRC (Italian Resuscitation Council). In a pioneering initiative, driving instructors from UNASCA (the leading association for Italian driving schools) completed the first-ever Lay BLSD (Basic Life Support and Defibrillation) Instructor course.

This certification marks the final step in a specialized training path. These instructors are now officially authorized to train aspiring drivers in life-saving techniques during their standard driver’s license courses.

Alfredo Boenzi, National Secretary of UNASCA, emphasized the uniqueness of the project: “This is the first experience in Italy where driving instructors have been trained as BLSD trainers. We now challenge other countries to follow our lead by organizing similar courses with their respective national associations of resuscitation doctors to spread a culture that merges road safety with public health.”

Aligning with the New EU Driving License Directive

The project, supported by both UNASCA and the EFA, aligns perfectly with the recent updates to the EU Driving License Directive. The new regulations introduce a vital alternative for students: rather than simply answering theoretical questions about first aid during the written exam, they may instead complete a practical first aid course.

The ambition is to move beyond theory and into life-saving practice. Boenzi concluded with a call to action for national authorities: “We hope the Italian Ministry of Transport will be the first to implement the new directive, particularly regarding the possibility of certifying students as BLSD providers during their theoretical driving course.”

By transforming driving schools into hubs for health education, Italy aims to ensure that the next generation of drivers is not only skilled behind the wheel but also prepared to save lives in the event of an emergency.

EFA Showcases Future of Driver Training at UNECE WP.1 Event

On March 24th and 25th, the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) took center stage at the semi-annual UNECE WP.1 event, presenting its latest advancements in driver education. The association’s General Secretary, Dr. Manuel Picardi, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the pivotal activities that have defined EFA’s mission in recent months. The discussion focused on three strategic pillars: the ongoing developments regarding the new Driving License Directive, the significant progress in International Certification for driving instructors, and the emerging challenges in promoting inclusive training for people with disabilities.

The presentation resonated strongly with the international delegates, sparking a high level of curiosity and engagement among the participants. By sharing these insights, EFA reaffirmed its role as a key contributor to global road safety standards and professional development. The interest shown by the audience underscores the importance of EFA’s current projects in shaping a more modern, certified, and inclusive framework for driver training across Europe and beyond.

Next steps towards “Vision Zero”

Every year, EU roads record nearly 20,000 deaths and 100,000 serious injuries, causing immense human suffering and permanent life changes for victims and families. Beyond the tragic human cost, road crashes impose a significant economic burden, estimated at 2% of the annual EU GDP. Improving road safety is therefore a pillar of economic competitiveness, as it ensures the efficient movement of goods and labor across all sectors. The transition to safer mobility also supports the EU’s industrial leadership by driving innovation in advanced safety technologies and vehicle connectivity. These investments create high-skilled jobs and maintain a competitive edge in the global automotive market while safeguarding critical infrastructure. The EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 aims to halve road deaths by 2030, working toward the “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating fatalities by 2050. This strategy follows a “Safe System” approach, focusing on safer roads, vehicles, and road use, with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable users. Read the full report here 

Speed and speeding – EU Thematic Report

Driving at excessive or inappropriate speed is a major threat to safety on the road. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of all crashes and 30% of all fatal crashes are the direct result of speeding or inappropriate speed.

The faster someone is driving, the higher the risk of a crash, but also the higher the severity of the crash and the probability that the crash is fatal. If pedestrians are hit by a car driving at 30km/h they have 90% chance to survive, whereas when the car drives at 50km/h this percentage reduces to 20. Download the report

Single vehicle crashes – EU Facts & Figures

In the EU in 2023, 6,621 people were killed in a single vehicle crash.

The number has increased by 1% in the last decade and amounts to 36% of all road fatalities. The mortality rate (the number of single vehicle road fatalities per million inhabitants) is high in parts of Eastern Europe and Southern Europe. The share of single vehicle fatalities within all road fatalities is widespread across Europe and is highest in Southern and Western and Northern Europe. Download the report

ETSC online event on improving the safety of cycling in Europe

On 21 April 2026 – 10.00-12.45 CEST the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) invites you to an online event that will focus on improving the safety of cycling in Europe.

This PIN Talk will present the most up to date data on cycling deaths and serious injuries found in the PIN report on cycling safety to be published on the day.

There will also be presentations from the European Commission (invited) on EU cycling policy as well as good practice examples of how to improve cycling safety from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden. The European Cycling Federation will present their guide to EU funding for cycling and Lithuania will share its experiences of using EU funds for cycling infrastructure improvements.

To register for the event please click here

The European Driving Schools Association (EFA) has officially taken a major step toward a more inclusive future. From February 23rd to 25th, 2026, the Verkehrs-Institut in Bielefeld (DE) http://www.verkehrs-institut.de/, hosted a landmark seminar dedicated to training drivers with physical impairments. This event marks the beginning of a strategic EFA initiative: the creation of a permanent international network to support driving instructors specializing in disability training.

A Legacy of Expertise

Building on a 20-year German tradition, the “Foundational Seminar – Driving Aptitude” has evolved from a local course into a comprehensive modular program. The Bielefeld event brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including medical specialists, lawyers, and technical engineers, to cover everything from medical fundamentals and legal procedures to financing and advanced technical adaptations.

Theory Meets Practice

The seminar’s strength lies in its hands-on approach. While the first and third days focused on expert presentations, the second day was dedicated to practical experience. Participants had the unique opportunity to:

• Test-drive modified vehicles equipped with hand controls and foot steering.
• Interact directly with affected drivers who demonstrated their customized vehicle solutions.
• Experience firsthand the technology that enables self-responsible mobility for people with impairments. Many thanks to the companies that supported the event, making their technology and equipment available to attendees. Special thanks to Paravan (paravan.com) and Ediser (enpc-diser.com) to develop vehicles and simulators for people with disabilities.

Building the Network: Next Stop, Florence!

Beyond the classroom, the event emphasized nationwide and international networking. Starting with a “come-together evening” and concluding with communal dinners, the seminar fostered a space for instructors to share best practices and challenges.

This is just the beginning. EFA is committed to expanding this expertise across Europe. The next international meeting of this network is scheduled for mid-June in Florence, Italy. This upcoming event will further strengthen our collective ability to ensure that mobility is truly accessible to everyone.

The TRUST Project: Shaping a New Traffic Safety Culture in Europe

The landscape of European road safety is undergoing a fundamental shift. While vehicle technology and infrastructure have seen massive leaps, human behavior remains the most complex variable. To address this, the TRUST Project (Traffic Safety Culture – A Systematic Transition Towards Shared Responsibility for Safe and Sustainable Mobility in the EU), funded by the Horizon Europe program, has officially launched to redefine how we perceive risk on our roads.

The project moves beyond simple compliance, aiming to embed a Traffic Safety Culture (TSC) into the DNA of every road user. It’s not just about knowing the rules; it’s about valuing safety as a shared social responsibility.

EFA’s Strategic Role: From Research to the Driver’s Seat

As a key partner in the TRUST consortium, the EFA (European Driving Schools Association) plays a vital role in bridging the gap between high-level scientific research and the practical reality of driving education. EFA’s involvement ensures that the project’s findings don’t stay in a lab but reach the classroom.

• Leading the “Driving Schools” Pilot: EFA is at the forefront of one of the project’s seven pilot interventions. This specific pilot tests innovative training methods designed to foster a safety-first mindset in novice drivers from day one.
• A Harmonized European Standard: By leveraging its vast network, EFA assists in developing a validated TSC index. This tool will help driving instructors across Europe assess and influence the attitudes and social norms of their students, ensuring a consistent level of safety awareness across borders.
• Empowering Instructors: Within the framework of the TRUST Project, EFA acts as the primary channel for professional development. We are committed to providing instructors with the latest pedagogical tools and insights derived from the project’s data-driven approach.

The Path Ahead

For EFA, the TRUST project is a milestone in our mission to modernize driver training. By shifting the focus from “how to pass the test” to “how to be a responsible citizen of the road,” driving schools won’t just teaching people to drive; they will teach how to save lives. The next TRUST meeting will be in Oslo in mid-May.

Croatian road Safety Conference

On the occasion of the recent road traffic safety Conference held in Zagreb in February and organized by Jutarnji list – Hanza Media, we spoke with the author of the driver’s handbook “Learn Traffic Rules and How to Behave Properly in Traffic” and road expert, mag.ing. Dino Posavec.

It is well known that Mr. Dino Posavec, has from the very beginning been a professional associate of this safety Conference, which deals with topics related to road traffic safety. The organizer of the Conference is Croatia’s leading newspaper and media house, Jutarnji list-Hanza Media, whose CEO Mr. Goran Ogurlić, has recognized this form of educational and preventive media activity aimed at increasing the safety of all road users. One of the main priorities of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, headed by prime minister Mr. Andrej Plenković, is the digitalization, since it is the basis of the long term development of every country, including also the Republic of Croatia. With the adoption of the new EU directive on driving licences, an attempt will be made to reduce the number of traffic accidents. Despite the Government’s investments to date in digitalization and road infrastructure, enormous financial resources have been allocated and we still have too many people being injured and killed in traffic accidents. It is important to invest in digital processes and artificial intelligence, but one must not neglect the most basic thing, which is traffic education from the earliest age.

Why did you choose this topic for this year’s Conference? 

Each year, a current topic is selected for road users so that all of us can learn and find out something new. This year’s Conference with the topic “Digitalization of the Traffic System and New EU Rules for Drivers”, relates to the new EU Directive on driving licences as well as to technological advances in the field of road digitalization. The Republic of Croatia has already implemented most of the provisions of the Directive in its legislation and is keeping pace with the recommendations of the European Commission. It is important to emphasize that the Conference is interdisciplinary, with experts from various fields of technical and social sciences participating in an effort to discuss and reach certain conclusions in one place on current issues in the field of road safety. The Conference is primarily safety and is very important not only for the road experts but also for everyone else dealing with this issue, with the aim of increasing the protection and safety of all road users. Some of the topics that have been presented includes the implementation of the digital driving licence, changes in the medical examinations for drivers, easier exchange of data on offences across the entire European Union, changes in the category B whereby the age limit is lowered from 18 to 17 years, an overview of the state of road safety in Croatia and EU countries, digitalization of the traffic, measures and recommendations of the European Transport Safety Council, an overview of the state of digitalization of the vehicle technical inspection, as well as various other technical traffic solutions.

One of the main novelties is the implementation of the digital driving licence. What is your opinion? 

The Republic of Croatia is ready for implementation, however, it is necessary to take into account drivers over the age of 65, who are increasingly present on the roads and who are, for the most part, less digitally literate. Alongside the digital form, the current form of the driving licence should be retained so that drivers can choose the option that suits them best. Before implementing the digital driving licence, it is necessary to educate drivers, especially those of older age, so that they are aware of security risks and know how to protect themselves in a timely manner from hacker attacks and behave responsibly in accordance with the basic rules of cyber protection.

There is also a big change in category B, lowering the age from 18 to 17. Is this a good model? Today’s young generations are not the same as those from twenty years ago. I agree with psychologists that new young drivers at 17 are not sufficiently mentally and psychologically mature for independent driving of a passenger car, but with the accompaniment of a person with driving experience for a certain period of time, such a proposed model is desirable and acceptable. A person with driving experience can have a very positive influence on a young driver and shape his or her proper behaviour and adherence to traffic rules in road traffic. The current practice in Croatia is that after completing 35 hours of driving lessons in the driving school, the candidate takes the driving exam and, if he or she passes, receives a driving licence, and after that any form of further education and influence on that driver to behave in traffic in accordance with traffic rules ceases.

Who are the partners of Jutarnji list and Hanza Media in organizing the Conference?

 There are many; I will list just a few: organizations from Brussels such as ETSC (European Transport Safety Council), where there has been long standing cooperation with Mr. Antonio Avenoso, and EFA (European Driving School Association) with Mr. Manuel Picardi. The main partner from the beginning has been the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Croatian Motorways, Croatian Roads, the Croatian Psychological Society, the Vehicle Centre of Croatia, etc.

Do you consider that the media is one of the factors in road safety?

 The role of the media is very important, but even more important is the synergy with the Ministry of the Interior, headed by Mr. Davor Božinović, which has recognized and has been fully supporting the safety Conference from the very beginning. Today the media can do what others can’t, and that is to reach a large number of road users, in a very short period of time. Every safety message or information can significantly influence on their behaviour and actions in road traffic.

Why do you think there are still so many fatalities on roads?

The investment by the Government of the Republic of Croatia in the roads is commendable; however, the main factor in this process is the driver and his or her behaviour. If, in a urban area, a speed limit of 30 km/h is prescribed by a traffic sign on a particular road section, the question arises as to how many drivers actually respect that limit. That road sign was not placed there without reason but for a purpose (near kindergartens, schools, etc.), and drivers need to be aware that. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the outcome of the traffic accident will not be the same if the vehicle speed is 30 or 50 km/h. By reducing vehicle speed in these urban zones, the lives of the most vulnerable road users, especially children, can be saved.

Speeding is a leading cause of traffic accidents. What needs to be done? 

There is no great mystery here, based on the experience of EU countries in the urban zones traffic should be slowed down to 30 km/h, while at the same time ensuring that this does not cause major congestion in roads, because then nothing has been achieved. It is important that experts dealing with this issue observe urban traffic as a whole and not individually. Digitalization of the roads can greatly assist them in this, so that traffic flow at intersections is as good as possible. Also, where it is possible, public transport, bicycles and walking should be used more, instead of every activity being carried out by habit with the use of a motor vehicle.

How can we reduce casualties in roads?

The first and foremost, systematic and continuous traffic education of children from the earliest age. The role of parents is the most important, but we must not neglect teachers in kindergartens and schools who spend a most of the day with children. One of the quality project being implemented in cooperation with police in Croatia is “Children in Traffic as Pedestrians and Passengers”. It is intended for preschool children, where educators teach children by using educational materials (booklet, coloring book, etc.) and involve parents in the traffic education so that, in real traffic conditions, they can practise traffic rules and road signs with their children. Furthermore, when it comes to future young drivers, there is also a project aimed precisely at them – high school students aged 16 and 17. First, the educators from the Croatian Psychological Society give a lecture at the school, after which the students fill out a questionnaire related to education and traffic safety, and finally each student receives the driver’s handbook “Learn Traffic Rules and How to Behave Properly in Traffic”, which will be very useful to them in a driving school and later.

Zagreb, 170226.Hotel Hilton Garden Inn, Radnicka cesta 21.Konferencija Jutarnjeg lista Sigurnost cestovnog prometa 2026.Foto: Goran Mehkek / CROPIX

Zagreb, 170226.Hotel Hilton Garden Inn, Radnicka cesta 21.Konferencija Jutarnjeg lista Sigurnost cestovnog prometa 2026.Na fotografiji: Manuel Picardi.Foto: Goran Mehkek / CROPIX

European Commission remains committed to halving road deaths by 2030

The European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030, emphasizing a “Vision Zero” approach to combat a plateau in fatalities [1]. Achieving this goal requires intensified efforts, including enhanced protection for vulnerable road users, improved enforcement, and advanced driver training, the European Road Safety Charter reports [1]. Driving schools and educators are considered vital in this mission, acting as key stakeholders in fostering safer, more conscious behavior on the road. Read more on the European Road Safety Charter website. Download the report in multiple languages ​​at the following link:

https://road-safety-charter.ec.europa.eu/content/european-commission-remains-committed-halving-road-deaths-2030

ITF – Road Safety Annual Report 2025

The Road Safety Annual Report 2025 provides an overview of road safety performance for the 40 countries participating in the International Transport Forum’s permanent Working Group on road safety, known as the IRTAD Group. Based on the latest data, the report describes recent road safety developments in these countries and compares their performance against the main road safety indicators.

This latest edition features new collision matrices to analyse road safety data and highlight the most common types of collisions leading to fatalities.

Read more about: https://mailchi.mp/itf-oecd/road-safety-2025?e=34c96eed19

Registrations of motorcycles and mopeds in key European markets during the year 2025

In 2025, new motorcycle registrations across the five largest European markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom—totalled 1,002,848 units, representing a 12.9% decline compared to 2024. Spain was the only market to record growth, with registrations increasing by 8.3%, while all other countries experienced negative trends, particularly Germany and the UK. Moped registrations also declined significantly. Across the six European markets monitored by ACEM, registrations fell by 20.7%, with Germany as the sole exception, showing modest growth. According to ACEM, this downturn reflects a market correction following the introduction of the Euro 5+ emissions standard, which had previously boosted registrations in 2024 due to stock pre-registrations. Despite current economic challenges, motorcycle registrations remain 14.7% higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating sustained consumer interest in powered two-wheelers. The sector continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by a gradual shift from mopeds to motorcycles, while the market outlook for 2026 will become clearer in the first half of the year. Read more and download the statistics:

17th ITS European Congress 2026

In this edition, we look beyond the horizon of International Women’s Day to reinforce our commitment to an inclusive mobility future, shaped by diverse perspectives across the industry.

We are proud to welcome Nextbike Cyprus to the ERTICO Partnership, bringing their valuable micromobility expertise to our network. Together, we continue advancing Europe’s green mobility transition, as recently showcased by our colleagues at the RTR Conference 2026.

The countdown to the 17th ITS European Congress 2026 in Istanbul is officially underway: Registration is open, with a 10% early-bird discount available until 28 February. The Preliminary Programme is now live, with over 100 sessions in the Technical Programme, while the recent CitiesFirst webinar has already set the strategic course for April’s gathering. Discover what lies ahead Istanbul 2026 by joining our live webinar on Monday 2 March. Read more:

https://mailchi.mp/mail.ertico.com/ertico-news-xxxx-5762297?e=bff8a6f8c1

Ireland: RSA study reveals higher level of mobile use among van drivers

Data from a new observational study by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland has shown that drivers of vans are nearly twice as likely to use a handheld mobile phone compared to any other category of motorist.

The observational study, which included over 22,000 observations at 145 sites across the country, highlights a growing trend of distraction:

Van drivers: Handheld usage among van drivers was 15%

Overall increase: Across all motorists, the rate of handheld device usage rose to 8% in the latest survey, up from 6% in 2024.

Usage type: Of those observed, 52% were holding the phone to their ear, while 48% were observed holding the device in their hand, indicating activities such as scrolling or texting.

Read more on the ETSC website: 

https://etsc.eu/ireland-rsa-study-reveals-higher-level-of-mobile-use-among-van-drivers/

Self-driving vehicles are perceived worldwide as an important innovation with potentially significant benefits in terms of road safety, efficiency and mobility. However, while countries such as the United States and Japan are already experimenting extensively with commercial applications, self-driving vehicles remain largely prohibited or very restricted in the European Union.

Why is the European Union lagging behind with regard to the authorisation and

regulation of self-driving vehicles?

Download the full text and the answer from the EU Commission

Driving test cheating up 47% in Great Britain, prompting road safety concerns

This Guardian article highlights a sharp rise in attempts to cheat driving tests across England, Scotland and Wales, raising serious concerns about road safety and the integrity of the licensing system. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), recorded cheating cases increased by 47% in the year ending September 2025, reaching 2,844 incidents. The report explains that the growth is linked to both increased cheating and improved detection methods. Technology-assisted fraud, such as Bluetooth earpieces during theory tests, remains a major issue, alongside impersonation in both theory and practical exams. With long waiting times for tests, authorities are strengthening checks and prosecutions.

Read the full text here:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/jan/21/driving-test-cheating-increase-great-britain-road-safety-concerns

Are the increasing amounts of tech in our cars driving us to distraction?

This article examines how digital distraction has become one of the most serious threats to road safety, often leading to slower reactions, reduced awareness, and risky driving decisions. While “distracted driving” is commonly associated with mobile phone use, the text explains that distraction can also be visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory—sometimes all at once. It also raises an important question: is the real danger only the smartphone, or are modern in-car touchscreens creating new risks as well? By discussing research findings, technology trends, and driver behaviour, the article highlights why managing distraction is essential for safer roads. Read the full article here:

https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/09/26/is-increasing-amounts-of-tech-in-cars-leading-to-more-distracted-driving

Dublin, Ohio, deploys AI pedestrian lighting system

TTI Magazine publishes an interesting article on innovative AI-integrated pedestrian crossings. The example could also be replicated on European crossings.

The City of Dublin, Ohio, has deployed an AI-powered pedestrian safety system from ISS (Intelligent Security Systems) to improve visibility and driver awareness at a neighborhood crosswalk.

The SecurOS Soffit system has been installed at the Brand Road pedestrian crossing near Coventry Woods Drive following concerns from residents about nighttime visibility and vehicle speeds in the area.

City officials evaluated traffic patterns, pedestrian volumes and speed data before selecting the Soffit system as an additional safety measure at the crossing.

Read the full text here:

https://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/intersections/dublin-ohio-deploys-ai-pedestrian-lighting-system.html?utm_campaign=22%20January%202026&utm_content=READ%20MORE&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traffictechnologytoday.com%2Fnews%2Fintersections%2Fdublin-ohio-deploys-ai-pedestrian-lighting-system.html&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Traffic%20Technology%20International

The road to sustainable transport 

The driver training can cut fuel consumption by 15%, while eco-truck combinations (two trailers instead of one) can reduce a truck’s CO₂ emissions by 30%.

IRU called for a grounded and immediate approach to sustainable transport at the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035 in New York.

Road transport is the lifeline of society, keeping us fed, healthy and supplied with life’s essentials. It gets us to school and work and connects us with our loved ones. All eight billion people who share this planet depend on it.

Read the full article:

https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/road-sustainable-transport

Joint EU Vision on R&I for the Technological Competitiveness of the EU Automotive Sector

This publication outlines a joint European Union vision on Research and Innovation (R&I) to strengthen the technological competitiveness of the EU automotive sector. It provides a strategic framework to guide priorities for investment, coordination, and collaboration among institutions, industry, and key stakeholders at a time when the automotive ecosystem is undergoing a major transformation driven by electrification, digitalisation, software development, and artificial intelligence.

The document highlights the importance of avoiding fragmentation across Europe and promoting a more coherent approach to strategic programmes and initiatives. It stresses the need to build a strong innovation ecosystem capable of supporting industrial resilience, accelerating technological progress, and ensuring sustainable growth. The main technology domains are presented with attention to their expected economic, environmental, and societal impacts. Within this wider context, the article also references education and skills development, recognising that a properly trained workforce is essential to manage the transition and secure high-quality jobs.

However, it is important to underline that the article does not address driver training or the education of driving instructors. As vehicles rapidly evolve through advanced driver assistance systems, connectivity, and automation, driver education should be updated and aligned with these emerging technologies. This is a crucial topic that deserves greater focus, and it should be explicitly integrated into future strategies to ensure that road users are prepared for the new generation of vehicles.

Read the full report.

17th ITS European Congress 2026

The next ITS European Congress will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 27 to 29 April 2026, under the theme “Bridging Innovation: Integrated, safe and seamless mobility.” For over 30 years, ERTICO has been connecting minds and stakeholders to turn innovation into action through the ITS Congresses, creating a high-level platform for smart mobility across Europe.

The ITS European Congress is Europe’s leading event on intelligent transport and smart mobility, bringing together public authorities, industry leaders, researchers, and international organisations to exchange knowledge, engage in strategic dialogue, and showcase innovations and real solutions already deployed on the ground. It is also an open invitation for cities to share their interest in hosting future editions: the Call for Tender is now open for European cities wishing to host the ITS European Congresses in 2028 and 2029, as well as the ITS World Congress in 2030 in the EMEA region.

Read more at: https://2026.itseuropeancongress.com/its-istanbul

Why Are Highway Signs Green? 5 Key Reasons You Might Not Know

This article from NDTV Travel, an Indian travel and lifestyle publication, explains the safety and design reasons behind the familiar green highway signs seen across India and the world. Rather than being a random choice, the green-and-white colour scheme is based on traffic research, human psychology, and international standards. The text highlights how green signs improve visibility and readability at high speeds, help drivers recognise road types instantly, and reduce stress and visual fatigue during long-distance travel. It also emphasises the importance of consistent colour coding across road networks, making navigation clearer for both local drivers and international travellers. Read the full article here:

https://www.ndtv.com/travel/why-are-highway-signs-green-5-key-reasons-you-might-not-know-10741359

EFA has released its new video on hazard perception for all of us!

The video, reminiscent of the “yellow car game,” aims to raise awareness among road users about hazard perception and paying attention to the road. EFA is having the video translated into many languages, with the goal of being shown and understood at as many driving schools, conferences, and other international events as possible. Special thanks to JellyLearn, whose expertise and technology made the video possible. Enjoy the video here! Help us disseminate it as widely as possible!

EFA participates to the Trendline event on the new road safety KPIs

EFA participated in the Trendline project presentation event, presenting the latest developments regarding the new Driving Licence Directive and the role played by the European Federation of Driving Schools.

The Trendline project brings together 25 EU Member States for data collection, data analysis, delivery of road safety KPIs, and for using them within road safety policies.

The Key Performance Indicators provide information about factors associated with crash and injury risks, e.g., speeding or drink driving.

All the project information can be found at https://trendlineproject.eu/dashboard

The results can be downloaded at https://trendlineproject.eu/trendline-results

Beyond the time-on-task: an EEG-driven approach for effective physiological assessment of mental fatigue in simulated and real driving

Fatigue is a major factor contributing to road accidents, and extensive research has focused on its physiological and behavioral characterization. Due to safety and economic constraints, studies on driving fatigue are commonly conducted in simulated environments, where fatigue is typically induced through prolonged tasks and assessed using a Time-on-Task (ToT) approach. Some EFA collaborators contributed to the publication of this article. 

Exploring the impact of autonomous vehicles on youth mobility through focus groups and simulations

The imminent introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) represents a significant revolution in transportation, offering unique opportunities to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of urban transport systems. This study uniquely combines qualitative focus groups with European school students and quantitative activity-based simulation models to compare teenagers’ reactions to AVs. Focus groups gathered insights into their current mobility habits and perceptions of AVs. The simulation model then evaluated the potential impacts of AVs, specifically robotaxis and autonomous shuttles, on teenagers’ travel behaviour in Santander, Spain. The results reveal a strong interest in AVs among teenagers, particularly for the independence and flexibility they offer. However, practical considerations such as cost, availability, and parental preferences continue to influence their mobility choices. The simulation results indicate a significant shift towards robotaxis, reducing walking and public transport usage. Gender-specific preferences were also noted, with girls being more likely to use robotaxis. The findings underscore the need for policies that balance AV usage with active modes and public transport, address safety concerns, and ensure equitable access to AVs. The study highlights the benefits and challenges of integrating AVs into teenagers’ lives, offering insights for policymakers and technologists. Further research is needed to validate these findings through real-world trials and to explore the long-term impacts of AVs on teenagers’ mobility, physical activity, and social interactions.

Download the study here

Tapping the potential for reducing work-related road deaths and injuries

Travelling for work is an essential part of Europe’s economy and daily life. Millions of people drive, ride, walk or work on the road as part of their job, whether delivering goods, visiting clients, building and maintaining infrastructure, or commuting to and from their workplace. During these trips, they may be killed or injured, and they may kill or injure another road user. Yet, despite its scale, the risks associated with work-related road use remain insufficiently recognised within both road safety and occupational safety frameworks. Read more about:

https://etsc.eu/tapping-the-potential-for-reducing-work-related-road-deaths-and-inj

International Organisations commit for UN Decade of Sustainable Transport

The International Road Federation (IRF), with a global coalition of partners, announced a voluntary commitment to support the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) to accelerate the transformation towards inclusive, safe, green and efficient road systems for all.

Building on shared expertise and a unified vision for sustainable mobility, the coalition aims to help countries strengthen the way roads are planned, designed and managed to meet the social, environmental and economic challenges of the decade ahead. Read the report

Motorcycle Protection Systems & Safety Aspects Of Management Of Traffic For Motorcycles Report

This document is the outcome of the PIARC Special Project on Motorcycle Protection Systems and Safety Aspects of the Management of Traffic for Motorcycles, conducted under the framework of the PIARC Strategic Plan 2024–2027. The study was initiated by the World Road Association (PIARC) in response to the continuing global challenge of improving the safety of powered two-wheeler users, who remain one of the most vulnerable groups of road users worldwide. 

To download the report you have to register in the PIARC website at https://www.piarc.org/en/order-library?publication=47533&solo

The BVF’s Congress, the German Association of Driving Schools, took place in Berlin on November 14th and 15th.

This year’s meeting was once again impressive, with approximately 2,000 attendees. BVF President Jurgen Kopp and Vice President Kurt Bartels performed excellently.

It was a pleasure for the EFA Board to participate in the event and to send a message that Europe is united and has often followed the German training model as a point of reference.

The German training model, as it is currently structured, is a reference for all European Countries.

It is hoped that in the coming years there will be no changes to the training model that could reduce the level of quality training offered daily by German driving schools.

EFA Vice Presidents Stefan Ebner and Manuel Picardi presented some of the latest developments related to the new Driving Licences Directive and the role EFA has played in introducing training as a replacement for part of the exams. These include the possibility of eliminating the Code 78 and obtaining a BE license, both through mandatory training. The possibility for Member States to introduce a mandatory First Aid Course as an alternative to part of the theory exam was also mentioned.

BVF Event

BVF and WKO Board Members

EFA visits EDISER Stand

Jurgen Kopp, Manuel Picardi, Stefan Ebner

TRUST Project Meeting in Athens and New TRUST Website

The second meeting of the EU-funded TRUST project, of which EFA is an active partner, was held in Greece on November 18th and 19th.

Special thanks go to George Yannis of NTUA for hosting the event at the Athens School of Engineering.

The progress made by some partners in determining the strategy to be pursued to achieve the desired results, namely the definition of a Road Safety Culture, was very interesting. In upcoming articles, you can find a description of the new TRUST project website.

EFA was asked to join the international consortium to contribute to the project’s road safety training, in collaboration with several universities and research centers, particularly in the introduction of new training modules for light mobility, aimed at young people aged 15 to 18.

The TRUST website has been completed: Traffic Safety Culture used to be an ambiguous term and a boundary concept, used in different and sometimes contradictory ways. If we want to leverage Traffic Safety Culture, we need to know what it is but also what it is not. Only then can we concisely measure it to assess in an evidence-based way whether we are actually making progress with cultural interventions.

We are providing an operational definition of Traffic Safety Culture and its constituting factors (such as beliefs, attitudes, norms, values) that is suitable for modelling the impact on road safety, developing measuring tools to assess where we are at as well as for planning and testing appropriate interventions.

Visit the website of the new road safety project funded by the European Union!

The Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic has elected new leadership for the period 2026-2031

The General Meeting of the Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic was held on Friday, November 21st in the pleasant surroundings of the Port Hotel near Máchova Jezera. The event was attended by more than 110 driving school teachers, 10 partners of the Association of Driving Schools and other exhibitors from the field of driver education. After a short introduction of all the important guests and partners, the Chairman of the Association of Driving Schools Aleš Horčička took the floor.

He presented a number of successful events that the Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic has implemented in recent months and years. These include projects to increase road safety Movitren, StartDriving, Days for Mentors L17, Digital Driving School, the Academy of Driving School Education and others. More than 100 thousand mentors have already participated in the L17 project.

The program then moved on to the elections of the new Executive Board of the Association of Driving Schools for the period 2026-2031. First, the members of the Association of Driving Schools thanked Mr. Jan Černý for his many years of activity, who has already reached retirement age and will not continue on the Executive Board. Subsequently, a new Executive Board was elected, which was newly joined by Michal Hebeda from Pilsen.

The newly elected Executive Board then left the meeting room and elected new statutory bodies for the period 2026-2030.

New Executive Board:

· Vítězslav Fila

· Martin Aujezdský

· Václav Volf

· Radek Šetka

· Jiří Martínek

· Michal Kubeš

· Miloš Šlajchrt

· Michal Hebeda

· Ondřej Horázný – Vice-Chairman of the Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic

· Jiří Novotný – Vice-Chairman of the Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic

· Aleš Horčička – Chairman of the Association of Driving Schools of the Czech Republic

However, the General Meeting was not only about the election of the new Executive Board and statutory bodies, but a number of exhibitors were prepared in the foyer, who presented various teaching options through virtual reality, teaching simulators, teaching aids and books, training vehicles and motorcycles and more.

The election of the Executive Board was followed by a series of expert lectures by the Ministry of Transport, CENDIS and also a speech by Jiří Novotný, who presented current events and news from the activities of the EFA (European Federation of Driving Schools). The Driving School Association also honoured members of the Driving School Ombudsman project team, which helps raise the level and sophistication of the field of driver education.

Jiří Novotný – Aleš Horčička – Ondřej Horázný

Aleš Horčička

Jiří Novotný

Ondřej Horázný

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) – ERSC

Despite progress in reducing road fatalities, alcohol and drug abuse continues to cause thousands of preventable accidents each year. The European Road Safety Charter (ERSC) organised an online session bringing together road safety experts, researchers, and civil society representatives to share the latest data, prevention strategies, and innovative initiatives that make a real difference.

The topics covered were:

– Cutting-edge research on drunk driving

– Successful national campaigns, such as “High Lässt fahren”

– Practical approaches to rehabilitation and law enforcement

– Results of the EU-funded FitDRIVE and PANACEA projects

On 19th November our EFA member from Lithuania, The Guild of Driving teachers, participated in the webinar, organised by European Road Safety Charter „Driving Under the Influence – A Road Safety Priority“, dedicated to one of Europe’s most persistent road safety challenges – DUI.

Dr. Mindaugas Vilkickas, the executive of the Guild, presented the report „The current system of Driving course for Traffic offenders in Lithuania“, about the officially mandatory courses for traffic offenders in Lithuania, also known as „Additional training for drivers“. These courses are also mandatory for the drivers, sanctioned for DUI; this is a part of administrative penalties in order to regain their driving licenses.

The content of this training was presented, including a little bit of available statistical information. The problems and challenges, which encountered during the implementation of these trainings, were also presented. This may be valuable insights for countries that intend to implement similar trainings.

Below you can download the Dr. Vilkickas’s presentation

Dr. Mindaugas Vilkickas

Driving Licence Directive Technical Roundtable

On November 27^th, the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) organised an online session focused on the implementation of international driving licence legislation and emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders. Participants outlined the necessary steps for effective implementation and discussed the importance of financial support for new drivers in Member States.

EFA presented the collaboration with ERC that began in 2021 and the tangible results achieved in the new Driving License Directive.

The EFA and ERC collaboration will continue in 2026 for driving instructor training. Stay connected with us!

Driving Licence Directives 

It’s official: The new European Directives on driving licenses and driver disqualification were published in early November 2025!

Below you will find links to EUR-Lex, available in multiple languages.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202502205

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202502206

EFA is very satisfied with the work done and the contribution the association has made to the EU Commission in publishing a directive that increasingly takes training into account.

Quality driver training is an investment, not a cost.

Music as an underestimated prevention factor: The Europe-wide campaign “Max-Achtzig: A Trucker’s Fate – Watch out!”

Rear-end collisions in European road freight transport are rare but extremely severe, especially for truck drivers. Since 2018, the initiative Hellwach mit 80 km/h has been committed to preventing these fatal crashes. With its new campaign, “Max-Achtzig: A Trucker’s Fate – Watch out!”, the association introduces a completely new idea: using a song as an emotional communication tool to reach professional drivers more directly and effectively.

The campaign is based on the insight that music strongly influences emotions, attention and awareness. Since drivers spend long hours on the road listening to music, the association created a track specifically designed for them — a song that speaks about the risks of rear-end collisions and the psychological pressures of the profession in an empathetic and immediate way. This approach aims to have a greater impact than traditional communication based on facts, slogans or formal appeals, which often fail under conditions of stress, fatigue and monotony.

The campaign also highlights the significant psychological impact of accidents, affecting not only victims but also the drivers involved. Recent studies show that each road fatality leads to dozens of stress disorders, many of which affect professional drivers.

Independent monitoring started in 2019 shows that today truck drivers are more than three times as likely to die in rear-end collisions at the end of traffic jams as car occupants — a figure that contradicts common stereotypes and calls for a new type of communication.

In this context, the campaign’s song becomes an innovative tool to raise awareness, create emotional engagement and keep drivers alert on the road.

EU transport in figures – Statistical pocketbook 2025

Transport represents a crucial sector of the economy. This publication provides an overview of the most recent and most pertinent annual transport-related statistics in Europe. It covers the European Union and its 27 Member States (EU-27) and, as far as possible, the current EU candidate countries, the EFTA countries and UK. The content of this pocketbook is based on a range of sources including Eurostat, international organisations and associations, national statistics and, where no data were available, own estimates. Own estimates have mainly been produced to get an idea of the EU total. At the level of individual countries, they are merely indicative and should by no means be interpreted as official data.

The International Road Safety Event took place in Bologna on October 9th. This is the second event that has seen the EFA, the European Road Safety Charter, and Unasca join forces to spread the culture of road safety. Thanks to their collaboration over the past few years, the Municipality of Bologna chose to host the event.

The first panel was managed by AIPSS, the Italian association of road safety professionals, with a focus on the issues associated with road construction sites. ETSC, ERF, and UNI Roma were involved.

The second panel focused on the European Charter and presented some of the most worthy Italian projects.

The third panel focused on dissemination activities outside the EU, particularly with UNECE and the work EFA is carrying out internationally. The universities of Bologna and Jellylearn were involved. Jellylearn presented its new video in collaboration with EFA on hazard perception. It will soon be officially launched worldwide.

The final panel focused on research activities with universities and the collaborations EFA has been pursuing in recent years to raise the quality of driver training. UNI Rome, Pimas, UNI Bologna, and ERC were involved.

The opening video messages from Jean Todt (Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Road Safety), Ms. Claire Depré (Head of Unit at DG Move), and MEPs Carlo Fidanza, Annalisa Corrado, and Perfrancesco Maran were also highly appreciated by the participants.

Thanks to “Test & Drive” that supported the international event providing alcohol tests to all participants. 

Michael Bennett and Jeanette Jedback

Luciana Iorio and Jeanette Jedback

Andrea Scapigliati (IRC) and Alfredo Boenzi (UNASCA)

Andrea Colombo and Andrea Onori

International Road Safaty Event

Federico Semeraro – ERC

EFA General Assembly in Bologna on the 10^th October

On October 10th, taking advantage of the previous day’s event, EFA held its general assembly in Bologna.

Several participants, approximately 20 delegates from national associations and other stakeholders, were present.

During the meeting, new collaborations with Škoda Auto and the EFA project on international standards for driving instructors, managed by the scientific committee, were presented. The project with Skoda will offer interesting collaboration opportunities for EFA associations and driving schools.

Pilot projects have already begun in France, England, and the Czech Republic.

The new Bulgarian members, representing SARS, the Bulgarian state agency responsible for road safety, were also introduced.

The next meeting will be in mid-March in Austria, at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, where driving instructors will be able to engage in various training activities and test new vehicles and training techniques. Below is the link to the 2018 edition.

Jiri Novotny and Antonio Pais Neto

EFA General Assembly

EFA General Assembly Participants

Modernising EU driving rules to increase road safety

On Tuesday 21^st October, the European Parliament confirmed an update of EU driving licence rules that aim to contribute to road safety and reduce collisions with almost 20,000 lives lost on EU roads annually.

New training requirements

To qualify for a licence a driver’s test will now have to include knowledge on blind spot risks, driver-assistance systems, the safe opening of doors, and phone usage distraction risks. As a result of demands by MEPs, new training and testing requirements will place a greater emphasis on risk awareness of pedestrians, children, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Read more about 

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20251016IPR30947/modernising-eu-driving-rules-to-increase-road-safety

ANIECA’s motorbike instructors training session 

At the beginning of October, ANIECA was in Braga for the second motorcycle driving instructors course of the 2025: A new vision for better training and qualification of motorcyclists.

Twenty motorbike instructors took part in both theoretical and practical sessions, completing another stage in their training to promote road safety. They were supervised by two trainers for the theory session and by four moto instructors for the exercise in the yard. 

The event was also attended by a member of the GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana (National Republican Guard) from Porto, who took part in the training with great enthusiasm and commitment.

Antonio Reis and Antonio Pais Neto

ANIECA Training Exercises

ANIECA Training Exercises

58th CIECA Congress 2026 – CALL FOR PAPERS

The 58th CIECA General Assembly and Congress will be held in Dresden, Germany, from May 26th to 29th, 2026. The event will be hosted by TÜV | DEKRA arge tp 21 at the International Congress Center, located in the heart of Dresden’s city centre.

We warmly invite policymakers, representatives of authorities, researchers and practitioners to submit presentation proposals for the upcoming CIECA Congress. This global event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches and evidence-based practices that shape driver education, assessment, and road safety in an evolving mobility landscape.

Please note the deadline for the submission of abstracts is 12 December 2025. Further information, including topics and submission guidelines can be found here. Please follow these carefully when preparing your contribution. All submissions should be sent to Eva Mateo.

Abstracts for individual papers will be peer reviewed by the CIECA Programme Committee and you will be advised of the outcome of the review by 13 February 2026.

https://mailchi.mp/9b35a3244064/cieca-public-memo-50th-cieca-congress-2018-call-for-papers-16536822?e=6ecadc492e

ETSC online event on reducing serious injuries on European Roads

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) invites you to an online event that will focus on reducing serious injuries on European roads.

This PIN Talk will look at various countries’ approach in the collection of serious injuries data. It will also look into countermeasures and what can be done to reduce serious injuries.

ETSC will present their latest serious injury data from their March 2025 report. There will be presentations from colleagues from Finland, France, Austria and Sweden.

https://etsc.eu/online-pin-talk-reducing-serious-injuries-on-european-roads-4-november-2025/

Waymo AV performs illegal U-turn but California police can’t issue a ticket

Police officers in San Bruno, California, faced an unusual predicament during a DUI enforcement operation when they stopped a driverless Waymo taxi for making an illegal U-turn – only to discover they had no legal mechanism to issue a citation.

The incident occurred early Saturday morning when the autonomous vehicle performed the illegal maneuver “right in front” of officers at a traffic light. While the vehicle pulled over immediately when officers activated their lights and siren, the situation highlighted a significant gap in current traffic enforcement protocols.

“Since there was no human driver, a ticket couldn’t be issued (our citation books don’t have a box for ‘robot’),” the San Bruno Police Department wrote in a Facebook post that has since generated more than 500 comments. “That’s right … no driver, no hands, no clue.” Read more

https://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/news/autonomous-vehicles/waymo-av-performs-illegal-u-turn-but-california-police-cant-issue-a-ticket.html?utm_campaign=2%20October%2025&utm_content=READ%20MORE&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.traffictechnologytoday.com%2Fnews%2Fautonomous-vehicles%2Fwaymo-av-performs-illegal-u-turn-but-california-police-cant-issue-a-ticket.html&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Traffic%20Technology%20International

The 2026 edition of the RTR Conference is back in Brussels 

We are pleased to announce that the 9th edition of the Road Transport Research Conference (RTR Conference) will take place from 10th to 12th February 2026 at The EGG Brussels.

Co-organised by the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC), the European Green Vehicles Initiative Association for the 2Zero partnership (EGVIAfor2Zero), the Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility Association (CCAM Association), and the European Commission DG Research & Innovation, and with the support of the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA), the RTR Conference remains the key European event to explore the results and impact of EU-funded road transport research.

https://rtrconference.eu/?utm_source=RTR+Conference+-+Mailing+list&utm_campaign=aee06ed0fb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_RTR2026_Invitation&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_510c5a24e1-aee06ed0fb-296054722

From 15th to 19th September 2025, the United Nations Palace in Geneva (Switzerland) hosted the UN Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety, bringing together international experts and institutions committed to improving road safety worldwide.

On Tuesday 16th, EFA Secretary General Dr. Manuel Picardi took part in the forum, presenting EFA’s new project on international standards for driving instructors. The initiative is based on a globally recognized curricular model and aims to certify instructors’ knowledge through a short training course followed by a theoretical exam.

Dr. Picardi explained: “The content of training courses for becoming a driving instructor should be standardized at a global level. The current international scenario is fragmented. With the new EFA project, instructors already qualified in their home countries will have the opportunity to attend a short theoretical course and pass a theoretical exam to certify their basic knowledge to perform this profession safely. For some, the course will serve as a valuable refresher of what they already know, while for others it will be a chance to expand their competences. Further stages of certification are also foreseen, for instructors who wish to enhance their expertise and distinguish themselves from colleagues through specific tests and practical exams.”

The project has been welcomed with interest at the international level, marking a significant step toward more consistent and higher-quality driver training standards worldwide.

Manuel Picardi at UN Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety

Analysis of the Neurophysiological Correlates of Mental Fatigue in Monotonous and Demanding Driving Conditions

Mental fatigue while driving, both passive (resulting from monotony) and active (caused by cognitive overload), is a critical factor for road safety.

Despite growing interest in monitoring techniques based on neurophysiological signals, current biomarkers are primarily validated for detecting passive mental fatigue in monotonous conditions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity of the MDrow index, based on EEG alpha-band activity, previously validated for detecting passive mental fatigue, compared to active mental fatigue, i.e., mental fatigue that occurs in cognitively demanding driving scenarios.

Read the recently published scientific article, which involved some EFA collaborators.

UK Embraces CPR on Test

John Lepine EFA Honorary Member and Past President recently addressed a meeting of the Institute of Master Tutors of Driving held in Coventry England. He reminded members of the introduction of CPR questions to the GB learner driver theory tests and asked that the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) alongside the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) be credited with this success.

The two bodies alongside national bodies like the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain and the Resuscitation Council UK had been at the forefront of the campaign to persuade European governments to include CPR questions and, for the first time, questions about defibrillators to boost cardiac arrest survival.

Currently about forty percent of European countries ask CPR questions and John explained that the number was increasing because of the lobbying carried out by EFA and ERC alongside national bodies.

As part of their efforts the two organisations had together financed and produced an award-winning film promoting CPR to young drivers across Europe. He played members the video and explained that they could learn more about the campaign and view the English language version of the film on the EFA web site.

EFA Honorary Member and Former President Mr. John Lepine

ESPORG and social partners call the EC for more secure truck parkings in the EU, working together on drivers’ wellbeing

The European Secure Parking Organization (ESPORG), together with the International Road Transport Union representing transport operators and the European Transport Workers’ Federation representing professional truck drivers, has addressed a joint letter to European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu, underlining the critical shortage of safe and secure truck parking areas in the EU. Industry and labour have jointly coordinated EU transport sector’s call on the European Commission to Building an EU-wide network of safe and secure truck parking areas. The goal: guarantee drivers’ wellbeing, road safety and the resilience of supply chains.

The joint letter is based on the findings of the European Commission study coordinated by ESPORG, in collaboration with PANTEIA and TIS, which revealed a shortfall of 390,000 safe parking spaces today, projected to rise to 483,000 by 2040 if no urgent action is taken.

Addressing the need to overcome the reluctance from local and regional authorities, ESPORG General Manager Dirk Penasse highlighted the organization’s vision:

“Truck parkings should be created as a home away from home. Lorry drivers and their vehicles should not cause any nuisance to the local community. The fears of the local community should be addressed, and it should be made clear that the expected nuisance will not occur. In this way, we can create a win-win situation for both the local communities and the lorry drivers.”

ESPORG and the transport social partners jointly urged the Commission to ensure consistent EU co-funding, notably through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), as part of a long-term European strategy. To translate these priorities into action, the partners propose setting up a European Commission Task Force under the coordination of EVP Minzatu and Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas’ Cabinets, bringing together ESPORG, as the representative organization of secure parking areas and social partners representing road transport operators and professional drivers, together with experts from DG EMPL and DG MOVE.

More information: www.esporg.eu

Register now: The EU Road Safety Exchange II Final Event

On Thursday 16 October 2025 – 09.00-12.00 CEST there will be the EU Road Safety Exchange II Final Event at the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport in Brussels.

Three years ago, following a successful pilot project, nineteen EU Member States set out on a shared journey to make Europe’s roads safer. Through the EU-funded Road Safety Exchange II project, transport experts from across the continent worked together to tackle pressing challenges: reducing speed, designing safer infrastructure, improving enforcement and data collection, and protecting pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas.

EU Road Safety Exchange has now grown into one of the EU’s most dynamic platforms for cooperation on road safety.

Read more at:

https://mailchi.mp/etsc/road_safety_exchange_final_event_2025?e=5f52eb2a51

Your Feedback Can Shape the Future of iRAP Training and Accreditation

The iRAP, is committed to continually improving the training and accreditation scheme to empower road safety professionals to help create a safer roads worldwide.

Traying to meet the needs of the road safety community, iRAP launched the iRAP Training and Accreditation Survey for 2025.

This is an opportunity to directly influence the future direction of iRAP training and accreditation programmes. The responses will help iRAP understands what value and what new areas of focus are most important to the road safety community.
Please take a few minutes to share your feedback by completing the survey here:
Complete the Survey or visit the page 

https://mailchi.mp/irap.org/your-feedback-can-shape-the-future-of-irap-training-and-accreditation?e=50f6e61ce7

Tomorrow. Mobility world congress – Barcelona, from 4^th to 6^th November

Tomorrow. Mobility World Congress (TWMC), jointly organised by Fira Barcelona and EIT Urban Mobility, is the ultimate event to accelerate sustainable and intelligent urban mobility. Our goal is to act as a global benchmark for the mobility and transport sector, combining an ever-growing leading event with an all-year-round digital platform and an innovation hub attracting the industry’s key players.Join a powerful get-together of international industry executives, government leaders, and global experts shifting the way we move in cities. Mark your calendars for the 2025 edition in Barcelona from 4-6 November, co-celebrated with the Smart City Expo World Congress. Get your pass at https://www.tomorrowmobility.com/

New study shows in-car voice assistants could help prevent drowsy driving crashes

Drowsy driving is a major road safety problem, linked to around one in five crashes. A new study published in Applied Ergonomics suggests that in-car voice assistants could play a role in reducing the risks.

Researchers from the UK and China tested five different ways of using voice assistants during simulated late-night drives: doing nothing, listening passively, listening meaningfully, repeating phrases, and answering questions.

Read more and the study on the ETSC website

EFA thanks the Chair of the European Resuscitation Council, Dr. Federico Semeraro, for his constant commitment and ongoing collaboration with EFA, to make Europe a safer place to live. Below one of the latest Dr Semeraro post:

“A major step forward for road safety and life-saving skills in Europe.
The latest article in Resuscitation highlights how the joint initiative of the ERC European Resuscitation Council and the EFA European Driving Schools Association European Driving Schools Association is shaping the future of driver education: integrating BLS and CPR into driving school curricula.
A European survey revealed that only 39% of countries currently require CPR training to obtain a driving licence. Thanks to ERC and EFA advocacy, the European Parliament has already included mandatory CPR training in the new Driving Licence Directive, expected to be adopted in 2025.
Watch the videocast:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7367864702682435584/ and read the full article here:https://lnkd.in/dhTEzKNH “.

New theory test questions aim to boost cardiac arrest survival

DVSA has updated the car and motorcycle theory test to include questions on CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

The new questions will be introduced in tests from next year to give your pupils with theory tests booked time to learn the new content.

Read more about: 

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDVSA/bulletins/3ed80c2

Financing the Electrification of Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Trucks, buses and other heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) account for 40% of global road transport carbon emissions. Electrification offers one of the most promising routes to cutting these emissions.

For more and more uses, electric HDVs are matching diesel vehicles on the total cost of ownership. Yet many banks still perceive e-HDVs as high-risk investments, keeping interest rates high and limiting their cost-competitiveness compared to diesel trucks.

Download the report

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:c13ccabb-cd77-47f0-b517-58ae1d9a6eb2

The Future of Movement: Rethinking Congestion in the Age of Smart Cities

TTi (Traffic Technology International) is delighted to announce that it is travelling to Kapsch TrafficCom HQ in Vienna to host a live, face-to-face panel discussion with smart city experts from across the industry – and you can be part of the virtual audience!

The completely free event will be streamed live online and will feature a virtual-audience Q&A session at the end of the panel discussion. To be part of the audience, register now!

The one-hour webinar will feature specialist speakers from Kapsch TrafficCom and researchers from University Of Comillas, Spain. In the panel discussion, the experts will discuss the challenges and possible solutions for managing urban congestion with the help of research findings from the university.
Read more about

https://email.traffictechnologyinternational.com/q/12JMbzdPd0sSfJeJiQDrMXxD/wv

Mapping What Matters – From Bicycle & Pedestrian Flow Data to Safer Roads

Join us for the next #RAPKnowledgeLive session to explore how bicycle and pedestrian flow data can transform road safety and mobility planning. Flow data provides a powerful foundation for understanding where people walk and cycle, helping cities design safer, more efficient, and more comfortable networks.

This session will showcase practical ways to integrate flow data into safety assessments, policy, and design, with examples from cities like Barcelona and others.

One highlighted approach will be Don Quixote (DQ) flows — a predictive model developed to estimate bicycle and pedestrian movements across entire networks. Coordinated by Roxy Tacq, DQ flows combine open geographic data with behavioural modelling to help governments worldwide make smarter, data-driven decisions. Read more about

https://mailchi.mp/irap.org/a-new-rapknowledgelive-session-is-coming-mapping-what-matters?e=50f6e61ce7

Motorworld Mobility Days at the IAA Mobility 2025 from 9 – 14 Sept 2025

Motorworld is shifting up a gear for the IAA Mobility 2025: as official cooperation partner, the automotive world of experiences will be presenting a diverse programme during the IAA Mobility from 9 – 14 September 2025. With passion, horsepower and emotion, it will bring the scene together and, with the Motorworld Mobility Days, become the ultimate meeting place for passionate car fans, bikers, collectors, industry professionals and everyone who wants to experience the fascination of mobility at first hand. Motorworld will also be present in the Open Space and on the exhibition grounds.

Read more about: https://www.iaa-mobility.com/en

• EFA Newsletter March 2026
• EFA Newsletter February 2026
• EFA Newsletter January 2026
• EFA Newsletter DECEMBER 2025
• EFA Newsletter November 2025

The “Power 2 Wheels: Hold on to Life” campaign, organised by ANSR, GNR and PSP, took place from 9 to 15 July to raise awareness of the importance of safe riding on two wheels.

To highlight our concern with this issue, ANIECA held a training session for motorcycle instructors entitled “To Teach Well, We Must Know How to Learn”, which aimed to:

Present a suggested sequence of manoeuvres, to be carried out in a space measuring 30 metres in length by 15 metres in width, as stipulated in the RHLC for category A.

Look into the essentials concepts for safe motorcycle riding, focusing on active and passive safety, handling techniques, defining the ideal cornering line, strategies for reacting to unexpected obstacles, among others;

ANTONIO PAIS NETO – ANIECA BOARD

ANTONIO REIS – ANIECA PRESIDENT

Autonomous Vehicles: Driving the Future – Europe Between Innovation and Strategic Choices

On July 2nd, 2025, at the European Parliament in Brussels, MEP Pierfrancesco Maran hosted the event “Autonomous Vehicles: Driving the Future,” a discussion on the state of autonomous vehicles in Europe. While the United States and China are making rapid progress, Europe is lagging behind, limited to small-scale trials and hampered by a fragmented regulatory framework. Though promising, European projects are often small, isolated, and lack the necessary support to compete on a global scale.

Yet autonomous vehicles offer significant advantages: reduced traffic and emissions, increased road safety, improved mobility access for those currently excluded, and new economic and employment opportunities. To realize these benefits, however, strategic decisions must be made, and priorities redefined at the European level.

The first key issue is technological sovereignty: should Europe develop its own autonomous solutions or open the market to already mature foreign technologies? The second question concerns the mobility model: is the goal merely to improve private cars, or to rethink the entire system, focusing on shared services like robotaxis, autonomous shuttles, and driverless logistics? Lastly, there’s the decision of whether autonomous vehicles should be integrated into public transport or remain separate services, possibly reserved for a limited portion of the population.

A public consultation gathered over 70 contributions from across Europe, confirming both enthusiasm and shared challenges: inconsistent regulations, limits on production, lack of structured incentives, and fragmented funding. A coordinated strategy and strong political will are needed—common rules, targeted investments, and a clear model for sustainable, digital, and inclusive mobility.

In this evolving scenario, driving schools will also play a crucial role. They must update their curricula to include knowledge of ADAS systems and the principles of autonomous driving, preparing users to interact safely and consciously with advanced technologies. Furthermore, they can provide educational support during the transition, becoming reference centres for safe, accessible, and modern mobility. Driving schools will not just be places where licenses are obtained (a cause long championed by EFA), but true hubs for mobility education in the future.

It is highly likely that autonomous vehicles will drive the future. The question is: will Europe be in the driver’s seat—or just a passenger in this revolution?

MEP PIERFRANCESCO MARAN

UNASCA meets Mobilians

An online meeting was convened between the Italian Driving Schools Association UNASCA and the French Driving Schools Association Mobilians.

The agenda focused on the activities of driving schools in both countries, underlining commonalities and shared challenges.

The Italian delegation expressed its appreciation to the French colleagues for the initiatives successfully implemented in recent years.

Constructive exchanges took place regarding training methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and sector developments.

A special note of thanks was extended to Patrick Pratt of Mobilians and Pascal Masapollo of PIMAS and EFA for the valuable information shared.

UNASCA was represented by several members of the National Secretariat for Driving Schools, including the National Secretary Alfredo Boenzi and Deputy Secretary Andrea Onori.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual interest in strengthening dialogue and expressed the shared ambition to establish a closer and more structured collaboration in the coming years.

UNASCA meets Mobilians

Register Now: 13/11/25, Hybrid Event – European Traffic Education Seminar 2025

ETSC, Fundación MAPFRE and the Government of Navarra have the pleasure of inviting you to the 2025 edition of the European Traffic Education Seminar, which will be held as a hybrid event online and in Pamplona (Spain) on 13 November 2025.
The seminar is organised as part of the LEARN! project on improving traffic safety and mobility education. To sufficiently equip young road users to become safe road users, education remains of chief importance. This is especially true for secondary school pupils (aged 12 – 18) as they start to travel independently and have to deal with more complex traffic situations.

The agenda for the seminar can be downloaded here.

Read more about:

https://mailchi.mp/etsc/2025-european-traffic-education-seminar-4741772?e=5f52eb2a51

Good Practice of the Month – July 2025 awarded to Sistemas ADAS and EMT Madrid (Spain) for enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety on urban buses

The project “El autobús, aún más seguro: protegiendo al peatón y ciclista” (The bus, even safer: protecting pedestrians and cyclists), led by Sistemas ADAS in collaboration with Madrid’s municipal transport company EMT was awarded as the month project by the European Road Safety Charter (ERSC). The project improves safety around urban buses by retrofitting existing vehicles with advanced active safety technology that detects pedestrians and cyclists in blind spots and warns drivers to help prevent collisions.

https://road-safety-charter.ec.europa.eu/content/good-practice-month-july-2025-awarded-sistemas-adas-and-emt-madrid-spain-enhancing-0

Registration to attend our Excellence in Road Safety Awards 2025 now open!

We are excited to announce that registration to attend our annual Excellence in Road Safety Awards is now open. Our ceremony will take place on Thursday 16 October 2025 in Brussels and online.

The ceremony will provide an opportunity to support and celebrate Europe’s leading road safety initiatives.

https://ddlnk.net/t/cr/AQi8hgEQ8qSWBxjezNeZBg7odwPHgOucgOx89R4hKfycgSDxxoe4tluQWwMzdQlu

RSS2026 in Napoli

The University of Naples Federico II will host the 10th International Conference on Road Safety and Simulation from June 23 to June 26, 2026.

The conference theme is “Advancing Towards the Safe System Approach”. The main conference topics include, but are not limited to: Pillars of the Safe System Approach, Technologies and Tools for Road Safety, Data Analysis and Safety Assessment, Human Factors and Driving Behaviour, Vulnerable Road Users and Inclusive Mobility, Safety Effects of Geometric Design, and Innovative Safety Countermeasures. The conference will bring together global experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the latest advancements in road safety and sustainable mobility. Let’s come together to rethink mobility and save lives!

https://mailchi.mp/832fff6ba22d/invitation-to-join-the-scientific-review-committee-for-the-10th-road-safety-and-simulation-conference-in-naples-italy-16883637?e=38883673d0

ETSC Safety Monitor 168 – July 2025

Below you can find the latest interesting newsletter from ETSC, with an overview of global road safety news.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=cm#inbox/FMfcgzQbgcKkJJFQSpZvjsTqtSpBvcxK

From 2nd to 5th June EFA was invited to participate in the work of the United Nations in Bangkok. EFA presented its recent Project of Global Standardization of Driving Instructors, based on European best practices. Much interest was shown by the participants, to develop a common line to raise the level of training of driving instructors worldwide.

During the works, the video produced by IRTE (the Indian Institute of Road Traffic Education) was shown, which describes the history of WP.1 and some of the results collected in recent years. Watch the video at the following link: 

Événement Mobilians à Clermont-Ferrand

Mobilians, the leading professional organization in the automotive and mobility services sector, held its 61st National Congress at the Polydôme in Clermont-Ferrand from June 6 to 8, 2025, and was particularly pleased to welcome you as an exhibitor or partner.

This flagship event for the industry brought together leaders of driving and road safety training institutions, teacher training centres, road safety awareness centres, driving instructors (car, motorcycle, heavy goods vehicle, etc.), road safety managers, and companies committed to improving safety on our roads.

Institutional representatives (Road Safety Delegation, parliamentarians, experts, etc.) also participated in the conference by speaking at our conferences.

EFA also participated in the event in 2025, contributing to the success of the event. Jean Todt’s video shown on Sunday morning was also highly appreciated, in which he recalls the fundamental role of driving schools in providing high-quality training. Watch the video of the event:

The Representatives of the Driving School Branch of the Hellenic Driving Association meet with BOVAG in the Netherlands

As part of the mission of the Athens Chamber of Commerce (ACC) to the Netherlands, a meeting of representatives of the driving school sector was held on Thursday, June 13, 2025, at the offices of BOVAG, the Dutch Association of Businesses in the Mobility Sector (www.bovag.nl ).

The Athens Chamber of Commerce was represented by:

• Nikolaos Grentzelos, Vice President of ACC
• Konstantinos Drosos, President of the Driving School Committee and member of the ACC Board
• Georgios Tzembelikos, Vice President of the Driving School Committee and member of the ACC Board
• Antonios Verouchis, Vice President of the Road Safety Committee and member of the ACC Board

On behalf of BOVAG, Ms. Hannie Tak, branch manager and project manager of the driving school sector, was present, who informed the Greek delegation about the structure of the sector, the operating conditions, as well as the modern educational practices applied in the Netherlands. Read the article at the following link: 

EFA joins AV-Poland Event

The Motor Transport Institute, in cooperation with the Competence Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, organized the fourth edition of the AV-POLAND conference.

The event, which addressed a broad spectrum of challenges related to transport automation, was addressed to entrepreneurs, business representatives, local authorities and research centres, dealing, among other things, with the preparation of technological solutions for autonomous vehicles, their implementation and raising public awareness on the safe and efficient use of CAD.

The conference was held on June 12, 2025 in Warsaw, at the headquarters of the Motor Transport Institute. In addition to the traditional meeting with speakers, participants will have access to a dedicated exhibition space, where the latest technologies for road transport automation will be presented.

The international AV-POLAND conference was organized in two languages ​​(Polish and English), thus providing an opportunity to reach out again to a wide range of stakeholders, including the international expert community.

EFA was asked to talk about one of the latest European projects funded by the European Union.

Mr. John Lepine, delegate for the FitDrive consortium, presented remotely the work done by EFA and the important results obtained by the project. A lot of interest from the participants.

See you at the AV-Poland event next year!

Norway wins 2025 ETSC PIN Award 

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has awarded its prestigious 2025 Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Award to Norway, recognising the country’s sustained commitment to road safety and long-term success in reducing road deaths.

Norway remains Europe’s safest country for road users, with just 16 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, the lowest rate among the 32 countries monitored by the ETSC PIN programme.

This remarkable performance reflects Norway’s long-standing adoption of a Safe System approach to road safety and continuous innovation in national and local road safety policy. https://mailchi.mp/etsc/pin_ar_2025_norway?e=5f52eb2a51

You are invited to the DSSAA Event in Addis Ababa

The first conference of the African Driving Schools and Safety Alliance (DSSAA) will be held in Addis Ababa from 24th to 27th September 2025. All road safety and driver training experts are invited to attend the international event to contribute to the continuous improvement of road safety in Africa.

DSSAA The Driving Schools and Safety Alliance Africa is a collaborative network dedicated to enhancing driving education and Road Safety standards across the Africa continent.

DSSAA brings together driving school operators, Road Safety experts, and stakeholders to promote quality driving school facilities, and support initiatives that reduce road traffic crashes.

For more information please visit www.dssaafrica.com   

Safety equipment uptake and success stories from across Europe

In 2023, 20,400 people lost their lives in road crashes in the EU (more information is available here). Although this represents a reduction of 10% compared with 2019, the downward trend is slowing (-1% compared with 2022) and is a long way off the expected annual reduction of 4.5% needed to achieve the EU’s objective of halving the number of road deaths by 2030. The safety of road users is an essential part of the safe system approach adopted by EU. The development of protective equipment is, among others, a major component of measures to improve road user safety. Helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems are all examples of protective equipment whose effectiveness has been widely demonstrated. Considered to be passive or secondary safety devices because they do not help to prevent crashes, they can nevertheless prevent deaths and serious injuries. Get more info at

https://road-safety-charter.ec.europa.eu/content/safety-equipment-uptake-and-success-stories-across-europe

Registrations now open for the Excellence in Road Safety Awards 2025

Registration is now open for the Excellence in Road Safety Awards 2025 – an annual event celebrating outstanding contributions to road safety across Europe.

Hosted by the European Road Safety Charter, this year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, in Brussels and online. The event will bring together leading voices from government, industry and civil society to recognise the most impactful road safety initiatives across the continent.

The awards highlight innovative and effective projects that contribute to safer roads, fewer traffic-related injuries and fatalities, and increased community engagement around road safety. They embody the spirit of collaboration and commitment at the core of the European Road Safety Charter’s mission.

Who should attend?

The event is open to all members of the road safety community, including policymakers, organisations, NGOs, educators and individuals working to improve road safety.

Why attend?

Celebrate and learn from Europe’s most effective road safety initiatives

Network with peers, experts and decision-makers Gain insight into best practices and inspiring stories of positive change All those wishing to take part are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this prestigious event and support the movement towards Vision Zero – zero deaths and serious injuries on European roads. Register here: https://road-safety-charter.ec.europa.eu/content/excellence-road-safety-awards

European Commission elaborated new Key performance indicators (KPIs)

In order to gain a much clearer understanding of the different issues that influence overall road safety performance, the Commission has elaborated, in cooperation with Member State experts, a first set of eight key road safety performance indicators (KPIs). The KPIs are an integral part of the EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030.

The aim of the Baseline project, partly funded by the European Commission, was to assist participating Member States’ authorities in the collection and harmonised reporting of the 8 KPIs and to contribute to building the capacity of Member States which had not previously collected and calculated the relevant data for the KPIs.

A consortium of 18 EU Member States, led by VIAS (Belgium), took part in Baseline. The methodological guidelines for each of the KPIs were published on a dedicated website for the project: https://baseline.vias.be/en/publications