The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has unveiled a series of groundbreaking road safety projects in Brazil, aimed at protecting children and improving transport safety nationwide. The announcement took place at Autódromo José Carlos Pace, home of the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix, bringing together key stakeholders from government, motorsport, and education.
Building Safer Routes for Children
In collaboration with the Brazilian Federal Government, the FIA helped launch a new National School Area Road Safety Guide, designed to enhance safety around schools. The guide promotes evidence-based strategies including better signage, traffic calming measures, and stricter speed limits to create safer journeys for young pedestrians.
Alongside this, the Associação Automobilística do Brasil (AAB), supported by the FIA and the FIA Foundation, has introduced the Safe Way to School project. The initiative identifies high-risk areas around schools and implements life-saving interventions such as safer crossings and reduced speed zones.
Motorsport Meets Community Action
Among those championing the cause was Brazilian F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto, who joined local students to highlight the importance of road safety education.
“As a driver, I know how important it is to be safe on the track, but safety is just as important on the streets, especially for children heading to school,” Bortoleto said. “I’m proud to support the Safe Way to School project and help raise awareness about making every journey safer.”
Collaboration for Change
Ricardo Morales, FIA Region IV President, emphasised how sport and mobility can drive real-world change:
“At the FIA, we believe that safety starts with the most vulnerable road users. This project shows what’s possible when government, local organisations, and the motorsport community come together.”
Avi Silverman, Deputy General Director at the FIA Foundation, added:
“By working closely with local partners and communities, we can ensure that every child has a safe journey to and from school.”
A Shared Commitment to Road Safety
The FIA’s ongoing collaboration with governments and mobility clubs reflects a broader mission to reduce road traffic injuries globally — a key goal aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
As Brazil continues to strengthen its road safety initiatives, projects like Safe Way to School demonstrate how international cooperation and grassroots engagement can make a tangible difference.
