The "Experiences in Multi-Disciplinary Collision Investigation" workshop concluded, marking a key step forward in road safety. Funded by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) and organized by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the workshop focused on improving road safety in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Approved in 2023, the project "Better Road Safety System based on in-depth analysis of road accidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia" is part of a global UNRSF initiative aimed at enhancing road safety in 88 countries through 44 specific projects.
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to face significantly high road fatality rates compared to the EU average. In 2021, Serbia recorded 75.82 road deaths per million inhabitants—70% higher than the EU average of 44.6—while Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded 67 road deaths per million inhabitants, 52.2% above the EU average. Despite these worrying figures, neither country has yet implemented a national system for in-depth crash analysis, a powerful tool for identifying the root causes of road crashes and reducing fatalities.
The workshop gathered national stakeholders and global road safety experts to explore the benefits and practical application of Multi-Disciplinary Collision Investigation (MDCI). MDCI is a comprehensive method of crash analysis that considers the role of human behaviour, vehicle condition, road infrastructure, and environmental factors. This analysis is independent of police investigations and helps decision-makers find effective ways to improve road safety before similar crashes happen again. The results from these investigations guide better road safety policies and strategies, focusing on the root causes of crashes instead of quick fixes.
During the workshop, Branko Stamatovic, Director of the Road Traffic Safety Agency of Serbia, highlighted the importance of using advanced tools like MDCI to strengthen Serbia’s road safety framework. He noted, “This year, we’ve seen a particularly high number of road deaths in Serbia, with a 10% increase compared to last year. A project like this will help us understand the causes behind these tragic crashes. The Road Traffic Safety Agency, alongside the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transport, and other key stakeholders, is working to improve road safety by adhering to legislation, but the experiences shared today are invaluable. Learning what works in other countries will be key to shaping future strategies in Serbia."
Similarly, Miroslav Djeric, Head of the Department for Road and Rail at the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the shared challenge between the two nations, stating, “This is a complex topic for both countries, and we are eager to draw inspiration from the positive experiences shared by other nations. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made strides in strengthening road safety, both institutionally and across other areas of the road safety pillars. I hope that the insights from this workshop will help us apply these approaches effectively in our own country."
The workshop featured contributions from several international experts, who shared best practices and case studies on MDCI implementation from around the world. Representatives from France, Finland, Germany, India, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Canada provided insights on how MDCI has contributed to reducing road deaths in their respective countries. They discussed the role of MDCI in improving legislation, strengthening national road safety systems, and enhancing overall safety on the roads.
With nine countries participating, this workshop stands out as one of the most comprehensive discussions on this topic globally this year. By sharing these experiences, the workshop equipped Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina with the tools and knowledge necessary to integrate MDCI into their national road safety strategies.
Currently, both countries are in the process of adopting updated road safety strategies, with a focus on integrating modern tools such as MDCI. However, existing road safety laws do not yet recognize in-depth crash analysis as an essential tool for improving road safety. This UNRSF-supported project aims to bridge that gap by developing a prescribed national methodology for in-depth crash analysis and building local capacity by training professionals to conduct these analyses.
Through this project, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are laying the groundwork for sustainable, data-driven road safety systems that align with the priorities of the UN Global Plan of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the UNECE ITC Recommendations for Enhancing National Road Safety Systems.
This workshop marks a key step in creating safer roads for both countries, with ongoing efforts to develop their capacity to conduct in-depth crash investigations and use the findings to inform effective road safety policies.
For more information on UNRSF’s work and projects, visit https://roadsafetyfund.un.org/projects.