Zaragoza, Spain | October 2026 

The Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory (APRSO) highlighted its priorities for strengthening road safety data and evidence, and its growing focus on motorcycle safety, at two international gatherings in Zaragoza, Spain, in October 2026: the Meeting of Regional Road Safety Observatories and the Second International Motorcycle Safe Mobility Conference (IMSMC). 

Taking Forward the APRSO Strategy 2026–2035

APRSO Secretariat Lead Priti Gautam attended the Meeting of Regional Road Safety Observatories, held on 20–21 October and organized by the Spanish Traffic Directorate (DGT), ANESDOR (the National Association of Two-Wheeler companies in Spain) and the Ibercaja Foundation, in coordination with IRTAD, the International Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group, which hosts regular online meetings of regional observatories.

Gautam presented an overview of the Observatory's foundations, priorities, and planned actions, including its Strategy 2026–2035. She outlined the member-led approach that guides the Observatory’s work and the Strategy's priorities for expanding its role in generating and strengthening road safety data and evidence across the Asia-Pacific region. 

A key area of work is leveraging technology to strengthen crash data systems, from data collection and management to analysis and reporting, particularly in resource-limited settings. Through this focus, APRSO provides a suite of support to its member countries, many of which are low- and middle-income countries, to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and use of road safety data. This, in turn, enables more informed policy development, targeted interventions, and evidence-based resource allocation.

A Growing Focus on Powered Two- and Three-Wheeler Safety 

At the Second International Motorcycle Safe Mobility Conference (IMSMC), held on 21-22 October, Gautam showcased some of the Observatory's recent work on powered two-wheelers (PTWs). She drew attention to the rapid growth of the two-wheeler fleet in the region, the expansion of commercial motorcycle services in the gig economy, and emerging challenges associated with electric two-wheelers.

She also pointed to the need to move beyond rider-focused interventions and apply a Safe System approach that considers road infrastructure, vehicle safety, speed management, and the protection of all road users. 

From Data to Safer Mobility 

From better road safety data to safer PTW mobility, the discussions in Zaragoza underscored the importance of strengthening the evidence, knowledge, and collaboration needed to address the region's road safety challenges. 

As a regional platform, APRSO will continue to support member countries in bringing road safety priorities into focus, exchanging knowledge, and finding new approaches to persistent and emerging challenges.