Moldova receives 2024 Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award
We are delighted to share that the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been jointly presented the 2024 Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award from the US-based National Center for Safe Routes to School in recognition of their work to reduce speed limits around school and prioritise child health and wellbeing.
The International Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award, which is supported by the FIA Foundation, aims to recognise and highlight noteworthy road safety practices with the goal of inspiring other places to take bold steps towards reaching zero traffic deaths among children and youth.
The Award was presented by Rita Cuypers of the FIA Foundation last week at a special event in Chisinau, Moldova. It is fifth year of the International Award but the first time that the award has recognised road safety leadership on a national level.
“The impressive collaboration in Moldova resulted in commitments to improve road safety for youth and, in particular, prioritizing slow speeds near schools,” said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, Director, National Center for Safe Routes to School.
As part of EASST’s Safer School Zones project, the Automobile Club of Moldova rallied activity in the capital of Chisinau, petitioning the mayor for better road safety for youth and other vulnerable road users with the support of 15 civic groups. This ultimately led to the implementation in 2021 of 30 km/h speed limits in parts of the city where many schools and kindergartens are located.
The success and impact of this action supported further advocacy by the Automobile Club of Moldova at a national level, and in 2022, the Moldovan government introduced 30 km/h speed zones around school zones and roads near hospitals, parks, and historic landmarks.
Andrei Cecoltan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moldova.
“At the national level, Moldova loses around twenty children in road crashes that could have been prevented each year. By reducing speed, it significantly lowers the risk of serious crashes and increases safety in urban spaces. This measure not only protects lives but also helps create a safer and friendlier road environment for all.”
Tatiana Mihailova, Vice-President/CEO of the Automobile Club of Moldova/ProtectMD Foundation.
“The Automobile Club of Moldova is deeply honored to receive the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award. This recognition highlights our common efforts with other interested national counterparts to advocate for safer streets through policy changes, such as implementation of mandatory 30 km/h speed limits around schools and other areas. It is demonstrated by various studies and facts that reducing the speed to 30 km/h can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. Protecting children and our most vulnerable citizens is at the heart of our mission, and everyone should be committed to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone. The safety of children and pedestrians must always be a priority.”