Last Friday, an important event took place in Brasília to show the first results of Brazil’s Improving Road Data Systems project. This project, funded by the UN Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), aims to improve road safety throughout the country.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO in Brazil) leads the project in collaboration with the Federal Highway Police (PRF), the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), the National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran), and the University of Brasília (UnB). Together, these groups are creating a data system that will collect and analyze important risk factors on federal highways. This system will help Brazil’s road safety authorities take preventive actions, making roads safer for everyone.
From March to October 2024, the project has achieved several key goals. Each agency formed dedicated teams to work on specific tasks. They held in-person training workshops and weekly virtual meetings to share knowledge and find better ways to enhance road safety. These discussions helped identify existing safety practices and how to integrate proven measures into Brazil’s data system. Additionally, a field operation allowed the teams to test and improve their methods for gathering risk factor data. This practical experience built technical skills and strengthened teamwork among the agencies.
A major part of the project's early work was to review the organizational structures within each agency to understand current road safety procedures. This understanding will help design a data system that can be effectively used and maintained by all partners. Working groups also created a library of technical and scientific materials to support ongoing efforts. This includes important documents like an analysis of crash data collection practices and a model for the integrated data system. With this foundation laid, the project is ready to move forward with a strong plan for evidence-based actions and safety measures.
The goal of the Improving Road Data Systems project is to create a system that can improve safety not just on federal highways, but also on state and municipal roads. By developing a flexible system that other regions can use, the project seeks to unify road safety efforts across Brazil, protecting lives everywhere.
Elisa Prieto, Deputy Representative of PAHO in Brazil, pointed out the importance of data-driven strategies in reducing traffic injuries and deaths. “Data-driven strategies are key to preventing traffic injuries and saving lives on Brazil’s roads,” Prieto said, emphasizing how this project provides the necessary tools to tackle road safety problems.
Brazil faces serious road safety issues. The Ministry of Health reported over 33,000 road traffic deaths in 2022. Additionally, thousands of people suffer life-changing injuries each year, which puts a heavy strain on Brazil’s healthcare system and affects families and communities throughout the country.
With phase one completed, the Improving Road Data Systems project is now preparing for its next steps, which will include refining data collection methods and ensuring the system’s design meets the needs of stakeholders at all levels. The UNRSF and its partners remain committed to advancing road safety in Brazil through comprehensive, evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of traffic incidents.