The remarkable efforts of the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) in promoting the policy of applying reduced speed limits – 30 km/h around institutions of social interest – have been recognized by the National Safe Routes to School Center in the United States and the FIA Foundation, awarding them the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award.

The award ceremony took place at the conference “Your Safety on the Road is Their Peace of Mind at Home,” organized by the Automobile Club of Moldova on November 21, 2024. The event brought together senior representatives from ministries and authorities responsible for road safety, experts, external partners, representatives from international organizations, and NGOs. Discussions focused on achievements in road safety, as well as ways to engage and plan future actions.

The Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award recognizes and highlights outstanding road safety practices to inspire and encourage other communities to take bold steps to achieve zero deaths among youth and children.

The same award was presented to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, key partners in the advocacy process and in amending the Road Traffic Regulations in favor of vulnerable road users. They have coordinated initiatives and collaborations at all levels.

Rita Cuypers, Director of Partnerships at the FIA Foundation, emphasized the importance of the award in the international context:
“This award is a testament to Moldova’s leadership in road safety and a source of inspiration for other countries. The measures implemented here are saving lives and improving the quality of life for everyone.”

FIA Mobility Grants Manager Anaïs Aite, and Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport (EASST – FIA Member) Director of Communications, MEL & Inclusion Corinne Vibert spoke at the event to highlight the exceptional work carried out by the Automobile Club of Moldova with the support of the FIA Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grants Programme, funded by the FIA Foundation to save children’s lives on the road.

Andrei Cecoltan, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, also highlighted the impact of speed limits on road safety:
“At the national level, Moldova loses approximately 20 children annually in serious road accidents that could be prevented. By reducing speed, the risk of severe accidents is significantly reduced, and safety in urban and rural areas is enhanced. This measure not only protects lives but also contributes to creating a safer and more friendly road environment for everyone.”

Tatiana Mihailova, Director of the Automobile Club of Moldova, stated:
"The Automobile Club of Moldova is deeply honored to receive this award. Our recognition reflects joint efforts with other national partners committed to road safety. Protecting children and the most vulnerable road users is the core of our mission, and reducing speed can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. Road safety must be a priority for everyone."

Present at the award event, international organization representatives, including Dr. Miljana Grbic, WHO Representative in Moldova, mentioned that “For World Health Organisation, road safety is a public health priority, and continued joint efforts and actions are needed to create safe roads, safe vehicles, and safe infrastructure.”

Seher Ariner, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Moldova, stated:
“Deaths caused by road accidents are one of the biggest challenges. In this context, a systemic, evidence-based approach with well-defined goals is required. Improving cooperation between authorities, organizations, and civil society, enhancing road education, and using data more effectively are all crucial to saving lives.”

For continued support, recognition of joint efforts, and sustainable partnership, the ACM team also presented certificates and appreciation awards to all local and external partners for their contribution to improving road safety in Moldova.

The meeting also addressed the opportunities to present Moldova’s achievements at the fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which will be hosted by the Government of Morocco in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Marrakech, February 2025.

The event was supported by UNICEF Moldova, WHO Moldova, UNDP, the FIA Foundation, FIA, and EASST.

This award highlights Moldova’s commitment to a safe system approach and the implementation of Vision Zero, building safer, forgiving roads, and preventing fatalities. Every step, from local collaborations to international partnerships, contributes to saving lives and creating healthier, safer communities.