We are pleased to warmly invite you to a seminar on “OPTIMIZING RESOURCES FOR ROAD SAFETY: INSIGHTS FROM PAKISTAN’S MULTISECTORAL INITIATIVES”, aimed at raising awareness about critical road safety measures and reducing traffic accidents through better use of technology.
Event Details :
Date: Tuesday, 1st October, 2024
Time: 11:30-12:00
Venue: B55, Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston Campus, 10 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh EH10 5DT.
Speaker : Dr Imran Sabir, Associate Professor of Sociology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Abstract
This project tackles the critical yet often overlooked issue of road safety in Pakistan, where over 28,000 fatalities occur annually, costing approximately 9 billion USD or 4% of the nation’s GDP. The surge in vehicle numbers, rising urban population density, and hazardous air pollution levels underscore the urgent need for innovative and sustainable road safety measures. Our multisectoral team is conducting extensive Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) surveys among drivers, pedestrians, and transport users, revealing significant gaps in licensing, adherence to traffic laws, and perceptions of safety. These insights necessitate targeted interventions, policy shifts, and educational campaigns to address the root causes of unsafe road behaviors.
To optimize resources for road safety, we are integrating smart technologies into Pakistan’s urban transport infrastructure. Key initiatives include developing a Smart Public Transportation system with General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) integration for the Metro Orange Line in Islamabad, a customizable Smart Journey Planning mobile application encompassing all intra-city transportation modes, and an Admin Panel/Web Portal for managing public transport operations. We are utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques for route identification and optimization, passenger counting, smart parking solutions, and implementing a Smart Centralized Driving Licensing Model. Additionally, we are deploying Road-Side and On-Board Units to establish an Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure in public transport. By merging these technological innovations with behavioral insights from the KAP surveys, the project aims to transform road safety and urban planning in Pakistan.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Imran Sabir serves as the Co-Principal Investigator for the “Optimum Use of Existing Resources: A Prototype Model on Road Safety” project (worth £23 million PKR). He is responsible for fostering collaborations and managing a diverse team of social scientists. As an Associate Professor of Sociology at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Dr. Sabir brings extensive expertise in sociological research and project development. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of Paris-Saclay, France. Dr. Sabir’s work has been instrumental in shaping policies and interventions to address various social issues, including on-campus drug abuse, household solid waste management, youth violence, and road safety in Pakistan. His role in this project underscores his commitment to integrating innovative solutions and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex social issue
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