Chile's Road Safety Overhaul: Turning the Tide with Smart Policies and Technology for a Safer Latin America

According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), Latin America has long struggled with high rates of traffic accidents and fatalities, with approximately 150,000 lives lost each year. Globally, road crashes are the leading cause of death among children, youth, and young adults aged 5 to 29, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2018). Despite this, nations like Chile, Mexico, and Colombia are making significant strides in road safety through innovative policies and comprehensive strategies.

 

Chile’s Data-Driven Approach and New Legislation

The importance of road safety and sustainable transport has been established in numerous global agreements. Urban Agenda, defined in Quito in 2016, specifies issues on road safety, walkability, cycling and ensuring access to the city, additionally. The Sustainable Development Goals, established in 2015 as part of Agenda 2030, include target 11.2; which states the need to “provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons”. 

Chile has historically experienced high traffic death rates, with over 2,000 fatalities each year. In response, the country introduced the Ley Emilia in 2021, named after a young woman tragically killed by a distracted driver. In 2017, Chile updated its National Road Safety Policy, replacing the previous version from 1993, which had seen minimal updates. The new policy adopts the Safe System approach and its principles, providing a clear framework for developing strategies and action plans aligned with the five strategic pillars of the Decade of Action for Road Safety. These strategies aim to guide all road safety initiatives in Chile, with specific, measurable targets and timeframes. A key goal of the policy is to reduce road fatalities by 30% by 2030.

Chile has also adopted safe limits, as it established the 50 km/h limit recommended by the WHO. This was done by the Law of Road Conviviality, and was achieved through a broad process of debate in which more than 100 civil society organizations participated, conforming the Citizen’s Network for Road Conviviality. This is expected to save hundreds of lives annually. Additionally, the law increases penalties for dangerous driving behaviors and promotes new driver education campaigns. Early results are promising, with a notable reduction in traffic deaths in the first nine months following the law’s implementation.

 

 

Smart Traffic Management and Big Data

In Chile, the traffic management market addresses urban mobility challenges, supporting smart city initiatives, public transportation systems, and infrastructure planning. Chile has also employs a data-driven approach, focusing on protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, children, and the elderly. While leveraging smart traffic management tools and big data to enhance road safety.  The implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) allows for real-time traffic monitoring and management. These systems use data from various sources, including sensors and cameras, to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. 

The use of big data analytics enables the NTSI (National Traffic Safety Initiative), to identify high-risk areas and behaviors, allowing for targeted interventions. For example, real-time data can help adjust traffic signals to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, predictive analytics can forecast traffic conditions, helping authorities to proactively manage potential issues.

 

Future Plans and Recommendations
Looking ahead, Chile aims to further enhance its road safety measures by expanding its use of advanced technologies. National Road Safety Commission (Comisión Nacional de Seguridad de Tránsito or CONASET), the body responsible for Chile's for road safety plans to implement more sophisticated traffic management systems, including automated traffic enforcement and real-time traffic monitoring. These technologies will provide authorities with live data, enabling them to respond quickly to changing traffic conditions and prevent accidents.

Moreover, continued investment in public education campaigns is essential. Educating drivers about the importance of safe driving practices and the consequences of dangerous behaviors can significantly reduce traffic accidents. Enhanced driver training programs, particularly for new drivers, will ensure that all road users are well-prepared to navigate the roads safely.
 

Conclusion

Chile’s proactive approach to road safety, exemplified by the establishment of the NTSI and the use of smart traffic management tools, sets a strong example for other countries in Latin America and beyond. By focusing on data-driven strategies, comprehensive legislation, and public education, Chile is making significant strides in reducing traffic fatalities and creating safer roads for all users. 

As Chile continues to innovate and refine its road safety measures, it is poised to lead the charge in the road safety revolution in Latin America. The success of these initiatives not only saves lives but also serves as a model for other nations seeking to improve their road safety records.