In a significant step toward advancing road safety, the EU Road Safety Cluster successfully hosted its inaugural webinar last week, gathering more than 90 stakeholders from diverse sectors. Co-organized by six pioneering EU projects—SOTERIA, PHOEBE, AI4CCAM, HEIDI, FRODDO, and EVENTS—the webinar shed light on the critical challenges faced by vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists, presenting innovative solutions that promise safer streets for all.

Addressing road safety from multiple angles, the webinar underscored key topics including accident prevention, infrastructure enhancements, improved communication between road users, and leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite-based systems.

Representing FRODDO, the National Technical University of Athens showcased the project's ambitious approach to transforming automated and connected mobility. FRODDO is dedicated to creating safer, smarter, and adaptable transportation systems through cutting-edge technologies such as advanced sensing, AI integration, and digital twin simulations. By prioritizing user safety and societal impact, FRODDO aims to deliver a resilient and scalable framework for automated vehicles.

Each project provided valuable insights into their specialized strategies:

• SOTERIA (University of Deusto) harnesses vehicle, cellphone, and micro-mobility data with machine learning to predict and prevent unsafe situations, even before accidents occur.

• PHOEBE (iRAP) develops human-centered predictive safety frameworks by integrating traffic simulations, behavior analysis, and mobility modeling to serve as templates for safer European cities.

• AI4CCAM (Simula Research Lab) emphasizes user acceptance and citizen engagement to assess automated driving through advanced AI methodologies.

• HEIDI (Virtual Vehicle Research) enhances communication between vehicles and VRUs, ensuring clear understanding and safe interaction, facilitating the transition to automated vehicles.

• EVENTS (ICCS) tackles the complexities automated vehicles face in unpredictable environments, developing robust perception systems to maintain safety and reliability.

The interactive Q&A session highlighted critical discussions around Operational Design Domains (ODDs), data accessibility, user-centered communication technologies, and the ongoing evolution of automotive design and sensor technologies. Participants expressed particular interest in understanding how dynamically extending ODDs could improve road safety, the standardization of communication interfaces in automated vehicles, and the adaptability of AI predictions regarding pedestrian behaviors.

This webinar marked a milestone in collaborative efforts among EU projects, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the cutting-edge innovations and cooperative approaches shaping the future of road safety.

For those who missed the session, a recording and summary are available, providing a resource to further explore these innovative solutions aimed at significantly reducing road accidents and fatalities across Europe.