Moldova has been awarded the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award by the National Center for Safe Routes to School in the USA with support from the FIA Foundation.

The award was presented to the Moldova Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Automobile Club of Moldova for advocacy and action to improve road safety with new low-speed legislation to protect the country's most vulnerable road users. The International Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award recognizes and highlights innovative road safety practices to inspire other decisionmakers to take steps towards reaching zero traffic deaths among children and youth. 

"The impressive collaboration in Moldova resulted in commitments to improve road safety for youth and, in particular, prioritizing slow speeds near schools," said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, Director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

The Automobile Club of Moldova rallied activity in the capital of Chisinau, petitioning the Mayor for better road safety for youth and other vulnerable road users with the support of 15 civic groups. The activity ultimately led to the implementation in 2021 of 30 km/h speed limits in parts of the city where many schools and kindergartens are located. 

The success and impact of this action supported further advocacy by the Automobile Club of Moldova at a national level. In 2022, the Government of Moldova introduced 30 km/h speed zones around school zones and roads near hospitals, parks, and historic landmarks. Further, the Republic of Moldova is anticipated to sign a new National Road Safety Programme into law in late 2024. It aims to reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths through a combination of road safety measures, improved road infrastructure, and road user behaviour.

"At the national level, Moldova loses around twenty children in road crashes that could have been prevented each year," said Andrei Cecoltan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moldova. "Introducing a speed limit of 30 km/h in areas adjacent to educational institutions, hospitals, parks, and historic city centers is a crucial measure to protect vulnerable road users, such as children, pedestrians, people with disabilities, and the elderly. By reducing speed, it significantly lowers the risk of serious accidents and increases safety in urban spaces. This measure not only protects lives, but also helps create a safer and friendlier road environment for all. It is crucial to meet the targets of the new United Nations Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Introducing the 30 km/h limit in these areas is not just a technical regulation, but a commitment by national and local authorities and the community to protect lives and improve the quality of life in our cities. It's a measure that makes us feel safer, more connected, and more accountable to those around us."

"The Automobile Club of Moldova is deeply honoured to receive the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award," said Tatiana Mihailova, Vice-President and CEO of the Automobile Club of Moldova. "This recognition highlights our common efforts with other interested national counterparts to advocate for safer streets through policy changes, such as the implementation of mandatory 30 km/h speed limits around schools and other areas. It is demonstrated by various studies and facts that reducing the speed to 30 km/h can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. Protecting children and our most vulnerable citizens is at the heart of our mission, and everyone should be committed to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone. The safety of children and pedestrians must always be a priority."

The award was presented in the capital of Chisinau by Rita Cuypers, FIA Foundation Director of Partnerships, adding: "It is an honour to present the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award to Moldova. This recognition underscores Moldova's outstanding commitment to creating safer streets for its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. The collaboration between national and local leaders, civic groups, and advocates has not only transformed policies but has also inspired global efforts to prioritize youth safety. By adopting measures like the 30 km/h speed limits, Moldova is setting an example for the world to follow in advancing road safety and fostering healthier, more connected communities."

Places recognized with the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award have taken impressive action to improve walking and biking safety for their children and youth with the goal of building safer, healthier communities for everyone. The International Award is in its fifth year, and this is the first year when the award will recognize a country. 

Led by the National Center for Safe Routes to School in the USA, the Award program is guided by the Vision Zero for Youth International Leadership Award Committee, comprised of international road safety organizations including FIA Foundation, Global Designing Cities Initiative, Youth for Road Safety, International Road Assessment Programme, Safe Kids, and others.