On October 29, the President of Region III, Frank Fotia, joined regional leaders, policymakers, and road safety advocates for an important dialogue at the Diálogo Regional de Políticas Públicas sobre Transporte 2025. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications of the Dominican Republic, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the International Transport Forum (ITF), organized the leading ministerial meeting on transport in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This event focused on accelerating progress toward safer roads across Latin America and the Caribbean – a critical priority as we reach the midpoint of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety.
FIA’s Role: Driving Regional Collaboration
Frank Fotia participated in a high-level panel during the event, joining regional leaders and experts to discuss urgent strategies for improving road safety and accelerating the implementation of life-saving measures across Latin America and the Caribbean. Joining at the event was also Alvaro Oliver Venere, President of the Automóvil Club Dominicano (ACD).
During the panel, Frank reminded the audience that FIA and its Clubs are trusted allies in road safety. Through research, data, and collaboration, our clubs in the region have promoted scalable, high-impact, low-cost solutions. Key initiatives include:
- HEADS UP! Regional Think Tank: Convened in Kingston, Jamaica, this forum united policymakers, civic society, and technical experts to address motorcycle helmet safety.
- Keep Fighting Foundation Partnership: In collaboration with Asociación Nacional Automovilística ANA A.C., certified helmets were distributed free of charge to riders who rely on motorcycles for work and daily transport.
- Safe Mobility 4All Initiative: In partnership with UNITAR, 13 Clubs across Latin America and the Caribbean are working with governments to build capacity and co-develop evidence-based solutions.
- Private Sector Engagement: The FIA Road Safety Index helps companies measure and improve their road safety footprint. Success stories include partnerships with Coca-Cola, AB InBev, and others.
Government Leadership: Dominican Republic Sets the Tone
A major highlight of the event was the announcement by the Dominican Republic government, which introduced bold new measures to protect road users:
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- Mandatory helmet use for all cyclists
- Mandatory driver education for motorcyclists
- Acceptance of international safety standards
In Spanish only.
Three Actions We Can Take Today
On the panel, Frank concluded his talk with three urgent priorities:
- Prioritize vulnerable road users—motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
- Be data-driven—use crash and injury data to target interventions.
- Leverage public education campaigns—partner with local influencers and FIA Clubs to change behaviors.