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Globally, over 3,700 people die every day on the roads, which amounts to nearly 1.35 million preventable deaths and an estimated 50 million injuries each year. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults 5–29 years of age, and they rank the eighth leading cause of death for people of all ages. In the US, Roadway Departures account for half of all fatalities. An iRAP study of roads in 60 countries, at all levels of development, revealed that 47% of curves on roads with speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) or more have roadsides that increase the risk of non-survivable crashes.

Internationally, the impact of fatal roadway crashes is disproportionate around the world with dire socio-economic consequences: Low- and Middle- Income Countries contribute to 93% of the global road deaths despite representing only 60% of the global vehicle fleet. Unfortunately, during the post-pandemic economic recovery, several countries including the United States, have registered a significant increase in the number of crash fatalities.

The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021- 2030 calls on government and partners to implement a Safe System Approach (SSA) to realize the vision of zero fatalities and severe injuries. The SSA is a holistic approach that considers 5 elements of a safe transportation system – safer road users, safer vehicles, safer speed, safer roads, and post-crash care. Reducing roadway departures and enhancing roadside safety are integral elements of any such plans.

The primary objective of TRB’s 2nd International Roadside Safety Conference (IRSC) is to support and advance global efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries associated with roadway departure crashes. The IRSC will contribute to this objective through: (1) peer exchange and improved dissemination of information within the international roadside safety community; (2) increased collaboration amongst international roadside safety experts, researchers, government agencies, and engineering consultants; and (3) a more rapid implementation of new technologies, best practices, and products from around the world.

See a tentative At-A-Glance agenda below. (Event dates range from Sunday through Wednesday, plus additional Meetings being held Thursday and Friday). For specific dates and times reference the preliminary schedule.