As traffic related deaths and injuries continue to increase in most developing countries, they are decreasing in most highly industrialized countries thanks to the collaboration of governmental and civil society institutions. Evidence suggests that road safety Partnerships involving government, civil society and the private sector achieve significant results and that a similar approach could benefit the overall social and economic development in countries with developing and transitional economies. Furthermore, much could be learned through partnerships which include cross-country and regional sharing. Bicycle training and identifying the safest route to school could be made available to every child as well as awareness training on road use targeting children at risk in poorer areas. Participants should include large multinationals as well as smaller independent firms.
Local firms have a particular stake in the business of road safety.
The initiative could also look to include key business groups or associations, who would add value to the initiative by helping to identify case studies and to disseminate lessons learned. Businesses are generally willing to invest more in partnerships when the business benefit is as clear as the moral or social imperative. In so doing, companies are building stable reputations and brands, increasing profits, expanding markets, and critically reducing the risk inherent to any foreign investment. Partnerships build trust, mutual respect, and an expressed commitment to common goals. Increased trust means improved risk management and improved bottom-line performance.