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.