Road Safety Trust Symposium highlights successes and future priorities
Photo: Helen Corbett
The Road Safety Trust hosted its highly anticipated first Symposium yesterday, bringing together leading practitioners, researchers and advocates to discuss the latest advancements in road safety, and chart the course for future initiatives.
The event, held at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall, attracted a diverse group of over 100 delegates, including many RST grant recipients, all united by their commitment to improving road safety and saving lives. Its theme was ‘celebrating success, making connections and looking to the future’.
The Symposium opened with a welcome address from Tony Fuller, Chair of The Road Safety Trust, who underscored the Trust’s ongoing mission to fund innovative projects and research which make roads safer for everyone. This was followed by an overview of the Trust’s work by Chair of the Road Safety Initiatives Committee, Heather Ward, who highlighted the significant impact of the Trust having spent over £10m on more than 100 projects across the UK in the past decade.
Workshops during the day allowed attendees to delve into the practical aspects of road safety projects, with sessions on effective communications, how to secure project funding, and the crucial importance of disseminating research findings to a wide audience.
Turning Research into Practice
One of the key themes of the day was the translation of academic research into practice. Presentations by Dr Tim Nutbeam, Dr Shaun Helman, and Dr Helen Wells emphasized the importance of data, evidence, and behavioural insights in shaping effective work at the frontline of road safety. Tanya Fosdick, Research Director at Agilysis, further underscored the necessity of evidence-based approaches in her talk on the role of research in driving policy and practice.
Advocacy and Future Strategies
The symposium also featured an important session on advocacy, led by Jamie Hassall, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), who discussed the pivotal role of advocacy in driving legislative and policy changes, particularly with a newly incumbent Government.
Spotlight on Funded Projects
The second half of the Symposium showcased a selection of innovative projects, funded by The Road Safety Trust in recent years. Delegates heard from leading researchers, including Professor Richard Rowe of the University of Sheffield and Dr Elizabeth Box of the RAC Foundation, who presented groundbreaking work on topics such as intelligence speed assistance (ISA) and life-saving educational and training interventions targeted at young drivers.
Addressing Inequalities in Road Safety
The symposium concluded with a powerful session on the need to address the wider determinants of inequalities in road safety, delivered by Professor Nicola Christie of University College London. This topic will form the theme of the RST’s new autumn round of grant funding applications, which opens on 26 September.
Speaking after the Symposium, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, Ruth Purdie OBE, said: “The symposium was buzzing with energy, ideas and enthusiasm. It has demonstrated the critical importance of collaboration and evidence-based action in our collective efforts to improve road safety.
“The Road Safety Trust remains committed to continuing our support for research, practical initiatives and effective advocacy, in order to achieve our vision of zero deaths and injuries on UK roads. I want to thank everyone who participated in what was a truly exceptional day of learning, sharing and forging connections.”
11 September 2024