Caribbean Road Safety: Infrastructure Design

Julio Urzua is a distinguished road safety expert who currently serves as the Global Projects Director at the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), following his role as Director for Latin America and the Caribbean from 2009 to 2020. His academic credentials include a degree from the University of Santiago de Chile's Faculty of Administration and Economics, a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and certification from Sweden's Vision Zero Road Safety program. His career began as an advisor to Chile's Minister of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications, followed by a pivotal role as Executive Secretary of the Chilean National Commission for Road Safety (CONASET) from 2004 to 2006, where his leadership led to significant legislative reforms that reduced road fatalities by 7 percent. He later served as Executive Secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Transitional Commission for Road Safety from 2006 to 2009, working under Nobel Peace Laureate Oscar Arias. Throughout his tenure at iRAP, he has spearheaded numerous road safety initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean, implementing vital infrastructure assessment programs in countries including Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Belize, Colombia, and Brazil. His contributions to road safety have earned him recognition, including the 2013 FIA Region IV American Award for his work in creating and implementing road safety initiatives in Latin America. He regularly participates in high-level international events, including the UN Road Safety meetings, and continues to drive global efforts toward safer road infrastructure.

Rob McInerney serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), a registered charity dedicated to creating a world free of high-risk roads. Under his leadership since 2007, iRAP has expanded to over 100 countries, assessing more than 3 million kilometers of roads globally and influencing over $80 billion in safer road investments. His expertise spans global policy development, evidence-based research, and transport infrastructure safety, earning him prestigious recognitions including the IRF Global Road Safety Award in 2017, Fellowship of the Australasian College of Road Safety in 2015, and Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards in both 2014 and 2020. With a background in civil engineering from the University of South Australia and extensive experience from roles at ARRB Group and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, McInerney has pioneered the implementation of the Star Rating system for road safety assessment worldwide. His work focuses on mobilizing partner networks, developing sustainable road safety solutions, and advocating for the global target of ensuring all roads achieve a 3-star or better safety rating, making significant contributions to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety and global road safety performance targets.

Elías Rubinstein currently serves as the Country Coordinator for FONPLATA in Paraguay, bringing extensive expertise in transportation and infrastructure development. His academic credentials include a civil engineering degree from the Universidad de la República in Uruguay and a master's degree in transportation from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. His career spans over two decades, including significant roles such as Sector Specialist in the IDB Transportation Division from 2016 to 2022, where he contributed to various transportation initiatives and infrastructure projects. His professional experience encompasses 20 years in private consulting, focusing on road asset management, traffic engineering, and urban transport solutions. As an educator, he continues to share his expertise as a professor of Urban Transport at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of the Republic in Uruguay. His work at FONPLATA involves coordinating infrastructure projects and providing technical expertise in transportation planning and development across the region.

Mauricio Pineda Rivera is a distinguished civil engineer and road safety specialist with over 35 years of professional experience in traffic and transportation engineering. His expertise spans across road safety audits, infrastructure planning, and transportation system design. As a consultant and specialist, he has played a pivotal role in developing National and Regional Road Safety Plans throughout Colombia, contributing significantly to the region's transportation infrastructure development. His technical contributions include creating comprehensive manuals and guides covering critical areas such as road signaling, safety audits and inspections, vehicle containment systems, and lateral zone management. He has also developed guidelines for traffic calming measures and speed regulation on both urban and rural roads. His academic credentials include a Master's degree in Traffic and Transportation, complementing his civil engineering background. Currently, he serves as a key expert in conducting road safety audits and inspections, while also implementing road safety management systems and providing strategic advice to companies and public entities. His work focuses on creating safer road infrastructure through systematic assessment and implementation of safety measures.

Edgar Zamora is a distinguished civil engineer and road safety specialist who currently serves as the Safer Journeys Regional Leader for the Americas at iRAP, a position he has held since November 2021. His expertise spans transportation planning, traffic safety, pedestrian safety, and infrastructure development. Prior to joining iRAP, he worked as a Transport Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank's Transport Division, where he developed regional road safety initiatives including the promotion of road assessment programs, adoption of international vehicle safety standards, and implementation of road safety audits. His work at IDB also involved using artificial intelligence technologies for safe mobility and collaborating with organizations like Latin NCAP, ECLAC, and the University of Chicago. His academic credentials include a Master's Degree in Project Management under PMI Standards and civil engineering qualifications. Throughout his career, he has focused on designing and executing infrastructure and transportation projects across the Mesoamerican region, with particular emphasis on developing strategic partnerships and projects aimed at reducing road traffic deaths and injuries.