This spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the best practices shared by ERSC members. Each month, we highlight a different member’s innovative road safety initiative. By highlighting these success stories, we aim to create a collaborative environment where others recognise, celebrate, and adopt lessons learned and best practices.
Our November spotlight features DEKRA, in Italy, for their ‘Village of Safe and Sustainable Mobility’ initiative, which focused on raising awareness of road safety and sustainable mobility, particularly among young people.
Why the ‘Village of Safe and Sustainable Mobility’ initiative has been recognised as Good Practice of the Month
DEKRA’s ‘Village of Safe and Sustainable Mobility’ is a model for road safety - combining safe infrastructure design, advanced vehicle technology, and public education in a real-world testing environment. The village promotes sustainable mobility by incorporating electric vehicles and green technology, addressing both safety and environmental goals. Through hands-on experiences and stakeholder collaboration, DEKRA educates the public and industry leaders on road safety and tests new technologies like autonomous driving systems in a controlled, practical setting. This holistic approach highlights the potential for safer, greener, and more efficient transportation.
Key inspiration behind the ‘Village of Safe and Sustainable Mobility’ initiative
The initiative was driven by DEKRA’s mission to raise awareness about the consequences of driving distractions and reduce the number of road accidents. DEKRA recognised the need to create a cultural shift in driving behaviour that prioritises safety and sustainability, which led to the development of this initiative aimed at schools, families, and the local community. Through interactive activities, DEKRA sought to inspire future drivers and road users to adopt safe practices.
Project activities
The initiative was implemented over four days in April 2024, featuring a series of workshops and activities designed to engage participants in discussions about road safety and sustainable mobility. Key components included:
- Workshops: Educational sessions tailored for different age groups, covering topics from basic road safety to the impacts of distracted driving.
- Interactive activities: Simulation tests and obstacle courses for children and teenagers to practice safe road behaviours in a controlled environment.
- Collaboration with experts: Project partners such as the Italian Motorcycle Federation and local paramedics provided hands-on demonstrations in first aid and emergency response practices.
Outcomes of the initiative
Over 5,000 participants engaged in the event’s activities, contributing to improved knowledge and skills related to a range of road safety related aspects including safe driving, e-mobility, and first aid. Feedback indicated a greater understanding of safe driving practices, as well as the links between road safety and environmental action, among attendees.
For more information
Click here to read the full Good Practice by the DERKA Italia and discover the activities and outcomes of the project in more detail.
If you are interested in developing a similar strategy in your local authority or Member State, you can contact the project lead, Lavinia Ceccarelli, at lavinia.ceccarelli@dekra.com. Lavinia` can provide further information or advice on the project, as necessary.
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