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Activities related to road safety

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According to the World Health Organization’s “Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023,” there were an estimated 1.19 million road traffic deaths in 2021, a slight decrease from the number reported in 2018. Yet with more than two deaths occurring per minute and over 3,200 per day, road traffic accidents remain the leading killer of children and people aged 5–29. There is a call for contributions to private sectors to achieve Target 3.6 (Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to halve the number of global road traffic fatalities and injuries. Recognizing that road safety remains a common issue globally*1, Bridgestone understands that road safety is an integral part of mobility system design. This is an area where it can leverage its strengths and make the greatest contribution to road safety.

Since proper tire maintenance is important for safer transportation, Bridgestone conducts safety awareness activities such as tire-safety inspections for customers as well as other community-oriented activities as part of its Bridgestone E8 Commitment to promote “Ease.” Also, to promote “Empowerment,” Bridgestone is educating the next generation on road safety and its importance in improving the quality of life in local communities. Bridgestone is also enhancing road safety education by encouraging employees to raise safety awareness throughout the value chain, thereby contributing to road safety not only through its products and services, but also through its daily work.

In order to generate greater synergies from these efforts, Bridgestone accelerated the efforts in the form of a single global program, the Bridgestone Road Safety Program (BRSP) in 2023. The Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), an international non-profit organization specializing in road safety, helped Bridgestone establish the BRSP and create a playbook, a practical guide for employees. Bridgestone continues to strengthen the partnership with GRSP under a vision for safety: “Life is a journey. Let’s make it a safe one.”

Bridgestone Road Safety Program Playbook

Message from the CEO of GRSP

Dave Cliff
ONZM MStJ.
CEO, Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP)

The UN declaration (“Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030”) of 2022 calls upon leaders in the private sector to contribute to further collaboration to improve global road safety. The declaration specifically highlighted those areas where the private sector can make substantial contributions, such as in the areas of safe vehicle purchase, driver and fleet safety, and financing and by applying “Safe System” principles to their value chains. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.6, which calls for halving the number of deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by the end of 2030, will require concerted efforts across all areas. Bridgestone, a recognized road safety advocate and protagonist since it was established, has embraced the UN declaration, which has heightened the Company’s road safety commitment.
The founding principles of GRSP were built upon a model of partnership. This involves bringing the unique voices of the private sector, civil society, and government together to develop and apply evidence-based road safety policy and practice. Since 2020, GRSP has been working shoulder-to-shoulder with Bridgestone under this partnership model to demonstrate leadership in both road safety thinking and action.
As this partnership continues to grow, we look forward to supporting Bridgestone’s road safety passion and innovation. To continue to improve, we will need to evolve and inspire through the application of impactful and sustainable programs and policies. Leveraging the passion of its people, and by applying a road safety focus across its full value chain, Bridgestone has an enormous opportunity to influence road safety positively everywhere it operates and beyond.

Bridgestone’s contributions and commitment to road safety have been recognized: In 2024, it received the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. Established in the UK in 1987, this annual award honors outstanding road safety initiatives from around the world.

Paul Choo (second from the left)
Chief Human Resources Officer, responsible for HR and CSR across
Bridgestone Asia Pacific, India, China (BSAPIC)

It is a true honor to receive the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award, one of the highest accolades in road safety. At Bridgestone, we continually strive to deliver value to our customers and communities, and the BSRP is an essential part of our efforts to achieve this. The program’s initiatives consider the needs of each community and integrate road safety efforts tailored to bettering the daily lives of local road users. This award serves as a testament to Bridgestone’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders and the development of innovative strategies aimed at educating the next generation about road safety.

Bridgestone also participated in the Asia Pacific Road Safety Observatory (APRSO) 2024 Annual Meeting co-hosted by APRSO, the Asian Development Bank, and the government of Japan in Tokyo, where key stakeholders gathered to discuss the further promotion of road safety. During the event, Bridgestone shared its journey of enhancing road safety actions and partnerships, as well as ways in which the private sector is addressing road safety challenges. It also presented a case study of an initiative for the young generation implemented by Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. For details, please refer to the Bridgestone Road Safety Project (Thailand) case below.
In conjunction with BRSP, in July 2022 Bridgestone announced that it would donate $1.0 million USD (approximately JPY130 million) to the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) over the four-year period from 2022 to 2025. Bridgestone will respond to the growing expectations of the global community for road safety by using the partnership with UNRSF to enhance its global road safety activities.

In 2024, Bridgestone undertook 91 initiatives*2 related to road safety in 28 countries and regions, including 65 initiatives with external partners,*3 involving 1,114 employee volunteers,*4 and reaching 168,537people*5 from local communities. In 2024, with the GRSP’s cooperation, Bridgestone focused on eight road safety activities worldwide, set indicators, and assessed the impact of these activities.

  1. Source: “Global status report on road safety 2023,” World Health Organization
  2. Counting of “initiatives” varies by country or region.
  3. Counting of “partners” varies by country or region.
  4. The number of volunteers is the total number, including estimates for some activities.
  5. The number of people who directly benefited from Bridgestone’s activities, which varies by country and region and only includes those activities whose status has been confirmed.

Think Before You Drive (Latin America)


“Think Before You Drive,” a safe-driving awareness program launched by Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) in 2005, aims to instill in drivers the importance of traffic safety through educational programs and materials. The program conveys the importance of following the basic rules essential for safe driving, such as always wearing a seatbelt and keeping tires aligned and balanced.

BSAM has partnered with universities and government agencies to implement this program for children, students, and drivers to reduce traffic accidents and dangerous driving. Since 2015, the materials have reached nearly 78,000 students and families in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador.

“Think Before You Drive – Kids” is geared to children 6 and 12 years old, with the aim of educating them through road safety tips and inspiring an awareness of the behavior required to travel safely on the roads. The online program includes informative video clips, learning activities, and interactive games, including content that gives children an early insight into the importance of tire safety and maintenance. BSAM launched a new feature of the program that uses virtual reality headsets to simulate live experiences on the road.

Output ・ Materials have reached 78,000 students and families in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador since 2015
・ Over 4,000 students in 12 schools learned through the Think Before You Drive – Kids program in 2024
Impact ・ Of the 2,035 students assessed, 98% said their experience in the program will help them make better decisions related to road safety and responsible mobility
・ 100% employee volunteers felt confident in the level of road safety education delivered to children

Message from a Teammate

Beatriz Prado
Quality Management Systems Chief, Bridgestone Costa Rica

Participating in Think Before You Drive – Kids was a transformative experience. I enjoyed working with the children and teaching them about road safety—it was a unique opportunity to pass on important knowledge and connect with them in an authentic way. Seeing their faces full of curiosity while using the 3D viewer was exciting, as they learned by playing and understanding key concepts for their safety. Knowing that this activity raises their awareness from the time that they are children filled me with pride, especially since Bridgestone used innovative technology to leave a meaningful message. Experiences like this motivate me to continue participating in volunteering that positively impacts future generations.

Teens Drive Smart (United States)


The Teens Drive Smart initiative, carried out by BSAM in collaboration with local newspapers and schools, targets drivers aged 15 to 17 who have just obtained their licenses. Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of fatalities among teenagers in the United States. This initiative includes half-day driving training, during which participants learn to improve their driving skills, develop accident avoidance techniques, and respond to emergencies.

Participants in the program commented as follows:
“A first-class event all the way.” - Ben W.
“The driving instructors were the highest echelon of pros with bios that were incredibly impressive.” - Amie C.

Output ・ 71 participants and 38 parents/siblings (2024)
Impact ・ Average assessment score for 38 parents of participants
・ 9.1/10 - Program was effective
・ 9.2/10 - Prepared drivers for emergencies
・ 9.4/10 - Prepared drivers to avoid distraction

Message from Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell

“The city of Nashville is proud to share Bridgestone's commitment to keeping our communities and our roads safe. Nashville voters approved the historic "Choose How You Move" transit plan for the city in 2024, and partners for safer mobility like Bridgestone can help us ensure sustainable outcomes that save lives and improve quality of life for all people.”

“Project Sarthi” focuses on safety and opportunities in multiple locations (India)


The vital trucking industry in India suffers from a near 25% shortage of drivers. Even more problematic from a road safety perspective is a study that shows that 92% of heavy motor vehicle (HMV) drivers have no formal training. The majority of drivers themselves admit to feeling unsafe on the job and dissatisfied with their profession.

Bridgestone India (BSID) identified these issues as critical to the goals of creating safer mobility and safer roads and has responded by partnering with state-of-the-art driver training facilities in various states of India. Dubbed “Project Sarthi” (“sarthi” means “one who drives” in Hindi), the aim is to develop HMV skills and opportunities, including for unemployed youth from socio-economically weaker sections of society. The program provides 30 days of free residential driving training – including not only professional driving skill development but also soft skills for well-being and responsible road behaviors. BSID teammate volunteers also provide training on tire maintenance, safety, and financial literacy, among other topics. Drivers who complete the training receive joint certification from the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSFQ) and BSID with placement assistance. Since 2017, a total of 2,563 drivers have been trained under Project Sarthi (as of December 2024).

Output ・ 2,563 commercial drivers received certification for skill upgrades, and 864 HMV drivers participated in short-term refresher training from 2017 to 2024.
・ A total of 5,302 truck drivers and community members utilized the facility from 2023 to 2024.
Impact ・ Average assessment score for skills and knowledge related to HMV for 24 beneficiaries improved by 66%, from 6 before participation to 10 in 2024. (Out of 135 beneficiaries, an assessment was conducted on 24.)
・ 78% of trainees found employment with OEMs.
・ 92% of trained drivers want to continue HMV driving as their profession.
・ The driver's income increased by 110% upon completing the training. Following a one-year follow-up survey, the monthly income increased by 470% compared to before participation. (The average of the 245 drivers out of 581 drivers who attended the training during 2017-2022).

Bridgestone Road Safety Project (Thailand)


The Bridgestone Road Safety Project, implemented by Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. in partnership with the AIP Foundation*1, addresses road safety challenges in Thailand. This initiative aims to improve road safety knowledge and behavior among students and teachers, while establishing a network of Bridgestone’s Youth Champions for sustained advocacy. Another arm of the project focuses on the local community, particularly on youth, and includes solutions such as improved infrastructure and empowering Bridgestone teammates to engage with communities.

AIP Foundation noted, “Our Partnership with Bridgestone is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive positive change in public health. We are grateful to have a partner who shares our commitment to making a meaningful impact to underserved communities.” The insights gained from collaborating with iRAP*2 on road safety initiatives are being utilized in activities in other regions. Launched in 2021, this initiative has engaged 12 schools in Thailand and completed 3 road infrastructure improvements.

Output ・ 200 students and 12 teachers in 4 schools; 14,951 parents and community members benefited; 24 Road Safety Champions empowered in 2024.
・ Safety improvement of 1 school zone
Impact ・ iRap star rating*2 improved from 1 star to 2.8 stars (2024)
  1. A non-profit organization that works to improve road safety, primly vulnerable communities across Asia and Africa.
  2. International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) is a registered charity dedicated to saving lives by eliminating high risk roads throughout the world. The Star Rating, developed by iRAP, is an objective assessment of the level of safety.

Message from a Teammate

Thanarak Kanchanakhanthakul
Leader of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd.

Youth empowerment and integrating road safety in extracurricular activities is key to the success of our project, which also supports the identification of Youth Champions who become leaders in their communities and engages them in road safety-oriented community service activities.

Sicurezza on the Road (Italy)


In Italy, total road fatalities increased by an alarming 24.7% from the first half of 2021 to the first half of 2022 — and 15 to 29-year-olds tragically make up the biggest proportion of these victims. Bridgestone’s multi-faceted program — “Sicurezza [security] on the Road” — aims to tackle the key challenge of teaching young people knowledge and respect for the rules of the road. As part of its second year of activities, Bridgestone implemented a road safety program targeting young drivers and teenagers who are expected to become future drivers. The program was held in schools, outdoor locations, and at dedicated inclusion camps to increase awareness through edutainment. Working in partnership with the Italian Red Cross (ITRC), the project involved the support of almost 140 teammate volunteers from Bridgestone and 2,341 ITRC members.

The impact on participants was significant, with one person observing: “Thanks to this Green Camp, when I get my license, certainly I’ll be much more careful in how I control the vehicle, its condition, and the tires.” Following the camps, starting in October 2023, the project continued its road safety courses, reaching some 15,000 secondary school students, led by ITRC volunteers and with Bridgestone employees from Milan, Rome, and the Bari Manufacturing Plant providing expertise on mobility and safety.

Output ・ 30,000 people involved in 2024 (15,000 in schools, 15,000 at outdoor locations, 200 in inclusion camps)
・ Press campaign reached 17 million people with 205 articles; Social campaign: 500,000 Facebook users, 925,800 Instagram users; 15,800 LinkedIn users
Impact ・The average assessment score for 500 students improved from 3.65 to 6.51

Message from Partner

Edoardo Italia
VP Italian Red Cross and Italian Representative of the Red Cross’s Young Volunteers

The partnership with Bridgestone will allow us to reach more and more people. The Toolkit for Road Safety drawn up with the technical support of Bridgestone will help to expand the knowledge of volunteers on methodologies for road safety education. This partnership makes us more prepared to face future road safety challenges.

Road safety awareness activity: Tire Day (Japan)


April 8 has been designated as “Tire Day,” to coincide with Japan’s spring National Road Safety Campaign. As a company that provides tire solutions that “carry life,” Bridgestone is carrying out various activities this April to raise road safety awareness. Positioning April as a month to reinforce safety inspections, and as part of the “#TIRESAFETY” activities spearheaded by Bridgestone Tire Solution Japan Co., Ltd., Bridgestone is hosting a Group-wide Family Road Safety Park, a family-oriented event relating to cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, to raise awareness of road safety.

Bridgestone is hosting this event in cooperation with the Japan Traffic Safety Education Association (JATRAS), the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), and local police departments, strengthening cooperation with the local community. It holds the Family Road Safety Park event during the fall National Road Safety Campaign as well. In conjunction with these nationwide activities, Bridgestone is pursuing road safety awareness activities for various types of mobility targeting a wide range of generations.

Output ・ Held twice (spring, fall). Total of 8,381 visitors experienced various programs (2024)
Impact ・ 97% of visitors said participating in the event raised their awareness of road safety
・ 98% said the event helped them understand the importance of daily inspections
・ Assessed 758 visitors

Road safety activities rooted in the local community (Japan)


As a company that provides “tires and solutions that “carry life,”” and with plants throughout Japan, Bridgestone is pursuing road safety activities nationwide to address the road safety needs and issues of various regions. These activities enhance its contributions to local communities and strengthen ties with local communities.

Road safety issues vary depending on the region, but ensuring the safety of children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable road users is a key theme across the regions where Bridgestone has factories. At each Bridgestone factory site, they are conducting activities aimed at fostering safety awareness among vulnerable road users to protect themselves, with the goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities and injuries. Specifically, Bridgestone provides road safety programs tailored to the age groups of participants through activities such as on-site classes at elementary schools using bicycle and pedestrian simulators, and factory events that promote interaction with local communities. In programs that use simulators, participants can learn how to predict the risk of accidents in everyday living environments and situations, to help them understand safety as their own issue. Although children are the main target audience, in many cases teachers, parents, and other adults also take part in the courses, which convey the importance of road safety to a wide range of generations.
Bridgestone carries out a broad array of other road safety activities rooted in the local community in cooperation with local police departments and municipalities, including standing guard at intersections and crosswalks around its factories.

Output ・ Held at seven locations nationwide. Total of 471 participants (2024)
Impact ・ 99% of participants said they learned to be more careful when cycling or walking on the road. (Assessed 302 participants)
・ 97% of participants said they would follow road safety rules when cycling or walking on the road. (Assessed 302 participants)
・ All teachers undergoing the program said their students understood road safety knowledge and will be to follow road rules and act safely. (Assessed 9 teachers)

Motorcycle safety driving course (Japan)


With a desire for riders to have safe, secure, comfortable, and enjoyable experiences with motorcycles, Bridgestone is partnering with various outside organizations to support safe motorcycle riding.

Basic Riding Lessons is a hands-on motorcycle safety riding seminar aimed at improving safe riding techniques and complying with traffic laws and road safety manners. Organized by the Japan Motorcycle Promotion and Safety Association, the program targets new riders and riders who lack confidence about riding. In the seminars, Bridgestone exhibits, explains, and teaches the importance of tire management, raising awareness so that people can immediately start to enjoy motorcycles and ride them safely. In 2024, Bridgestone participated in 20 events held in the regions around Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kyushu, carrying out training for 519 riders in attendance.

Bridgestone also participates in the Nankai Riding School, a motorcycle safety seminar organized by a motorcycle equipment dealer that aims to reduce and limit the severity of accidents among young people, new riders, and middle-aged and older people who have started riding again. In this program, Bridgestone gives lectures on motorcycle tire maintenance and tire inspection methods. Employees of Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire Co., Ltd. who are certified as safe driving instructors volunteered to teach a total of 11 safe driving seminars.

Output ・ Held 11 times. Total of 458 participants (2024)
Impact ・ 99% of motorcyclists said their riding knowledge improved or improved somewhat
・ 99% of motorcyclists said their riding skills improved or improved somewhat

Maintaining Safe Roads (Liberia)


Firestone Natural Rubber, LLC invested $1.2M USD to maintain over 700 miles of roads and bridges in Liberia in 2023. The road maintenance project ensures that all people in the community have access to safe roads and bridges.

Since the collapse of the Du Bridge in Harbel, Liberia in 2017, Firestone Natural Rubber has partnered with the government of Liberia to repair this piece of critical infrastructure and contribute to other road safety projects. Maintaining roads for people living in Liberia benefits people of all ages and connects them to employment, medical care, and education, including an estimated 7,000 students attending local schools.

Road safety education for high school students (Australia and New Zealand)


Bridgestone partnered with Road Safety Education Limited, an organization that offers the Ryda program, Australia and New Zealand’s largest and leading road safety education program for youth. Supporting a full complement of classroom learning materials, Ryda also features interactive workshops for young drivers and passengers, hosted across both countries. In 2024, a total of 62,294 students from 716 schools participated in 500 Ryda workshop days. The program gives students the tools and motivation they need to take responsible action as drivers and passengers and stay safe on roads.

Message from Partner

Terry Birss
CEO & Managing Director
Road Safety Education Limited - provider of the Ryda program

We all have a role to play in road safety in working toward the common goal of saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads. Now in its 25th year, Ryda has reached nearly 850,000 students since its inception with the aim of empowering and educating the next generation of road users. Bridgestone's ongoing support helps us sustain the delivery of our life-saving learning to schools which increasingly rely on Ryda and we’re thrilled to have a partner in Bridgestone that places the same significance on road safety education as we do, not only in Australia and New Zealand, but also on a global level.

Road safety intervention with visually impaired communities across India (India)


In its first phase, this project provided needed mobility training and information to 1,027 members of the visually impaired community in five selected regions of the country. To sustain the project's impact, 16 master trainers from five regions participated in an intensive four-day residential training at the prestigious National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, part of the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi.

The aim of this program is for participants to become confident in walking and traveling, and thus able to navigate independently after the intervention. A manual on Road Safety & Navigation has been developed under this program for the holistic understanding of road safety and safer mobility.

Depending on the needs of participants, mobility training with a white cane was organized for two weeks to one month. Throughout the project, white canes were distributed to 1,027 visually impaired people, and smartphones were distributed to 50 visually impaired girls with apps to help them get around safely.

Bridgestone Indonesia drives Road Safety awareness through Road Safety School Program (RSSP) 2024 (Indonesia)


As part of its commitment to improving road safety and security, PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia (Bridgestone Indonesia) launched the Road Safety School Program (RSSP) 2024, focusing on raising awareness about safe road behavior among students. The program was held at State Junior High School SMPN 2 Bekasi and aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of traffic signs, safe road practices, and the importance of traffic safety infrastructure from an early age.

RSSP 2024 was implemented through a collaboration between Bridgestone Indonesia and key local stakeholders, including the Bekasi City Education Office, Bekasi City Transportation Office, Bekasi City Metro Police, and Bekasi City Highway & Water Resources, as well as consulting firm Transportologi. The initiative aimed to improve road safety awareness among students and enhance infrastructure to create a safer school environment.

The project began with an online road safety webinar on June 6, 2024, attended by 290 teachers from 89 elementary and junior high schools. During the session, a road safety risk assessment survey was conducted, which identified 10 high-risk schools. Based on the survey results, SMPN 2 Bekasi was selected as the first location for a data validation study. The school’s proximity to national roads made it particularly vulnerable to traffic accidents, highlighting the need for targeted intervention. The study included an assessment of road conditions, traffic patterns, and signage. Stakeholder engagement meetings were held from May to July 2024 to align efforts and ensure a collaborative approach to improving safety conditions.

In September 2024, Bridgestone Indonesia took the next step with this effort by organizing a Road Safety Workshop at SMPN 2 Bekasi, involving 20 teachers and 148 student council members and class representatives. The workshop featured interactive sessions, including a direct survey of the school’s surroundings, where participants analyzed road conditions, the availability of traffic signs, and the behaviors of road users. During the workshop, students collaborated on a student-led proposal to map out key areas around the school, including classrooms, health rooms, emergency evacuation routes, and the location of traffic signs to improve safety infrastructure.

To enhance road conditions, 13 traffic signs were installed and infrastructure improvements were implemented between November and December 2024, leading to a significant safety upgrade. These enhancements resulted in an improvement in the school area’s iRAP star rating from 1 to 3 stars. On December 17, 2024, the improved infrastructure was officially handed over to the school, which will oversee its maintenance.

This initiative empowered students with essential road safety knowledge and created a safer mobility environment for all. Bridgestone Indonesia’s five-member team, including its Human Resources General Affairs Director, played a key role in the project’s success.

Abdul Khoir, Vice Principal of SMPN 2 Bekasi, shared:

“The workshop participants showed great enthusiasm because the activities were conducted in a fun way, including hands-on practice where students observed road conditions and traffic signs in front of the school. The school plans to continue this program by mentoring the students who participated in the workshop so they can share their knowledge with their peers. With the successful implementation of the Road Safety School Program 2024 by PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia, we hope this program will not only be held at SMPN 2 Bekasi but also expand to other schools in Bekasi. Additionally, we look forward to more programs focusing on student and school development."

Pelangi, President of the Student Organization at SMPN 2 Bekasi, added:

"This activity also helps raise students' awareness about proper road safety behavior, potential hazards on the road, pedestrian conduct, and the prohibition against underage driving. Hopefully, this program will continue and bring positive impacts for students, the school, and the wider community.”

This project marks Bridgestone Indonesia’s first comprehensive school-based road safety initiative in Bekasi, encompassing baseline research, education, and infrastructure improvements. Moving forward, an impact assessment will be conducted to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

For more information, read about this initiative in the media:

CNN Indonesia

Message from a Teammate

Delfania Matasik
Sustainability & CSR Lead at PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia

I never realized the youth could be so enthusiastic about road safety, and I’m proud that my efforts contributed to a solution for their daily lives.

Bridgestone Korea promotes road safety through tire care training (South Korea)

In December 2024, Bridgestone Korea organized a Road Safety Engagement initiative to address a critical need in the South Korean market, where the majority of vehicles are privately owned and yet drivers often lack regular training and maintenance practices. Recognizing the importance of proper tire care, particularly for truck drivers, Bridgestone collaborated with Truck, Bus and Radial Family Channel (TBR FC) dealers and its own sales and technical teams to provide comprehensive tire care training.

This initiative aimed to educate and empower truck drivers on essential tire management practices, including tire pressure maintenance, identifying irregular wear, and understanding the causes of wear. The training consisted of three sessions, covering road safety and tire care topics, held at a dining venue near Truck Bus Radial Family Channel (TBR FC) dealer shops in South Gyeongsang Province on December 9 and 16, 2024.

The event involved three Bridgestone teammates representing Sales, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, and the Product Solution team, who worked together to ensure the training's success. A total of 100 truck drivers visiting the TBR FC dealer shops participated in the sessions.

Truck drivers expressed their appreciation, with many stating that the training greatly helped them understand road safety and tire care -- a topic they had not previously given much thought to. Several participants highlighted the scarcity of such training opportunities and encouraged more frequent sessions.

Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback, Bridgestone Korea plans to expand the program going forward, offering more training sessions and involving additional TBR FC dealers to enhance road safety across the country.

Bridging the transportation gap: Bridgestone Taiwan enhances accessibility in rural areas with BuBu Sharing service (Taiwan)


On August 21, 2023, Bridgestone Taiwan received a Certificate of Appreciation from Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-Tsai in recognition of its contribution to the BuBu Sharing initiative. During a visit to Jianshi Township in Hsinchu County, Minister Wang witnessed firsthand how this service enables elderly residents to participate in social activities, such as dining together, which would otherwise be difficult due to limited transportation options.

Addressing mobility challenges in rural Taiwan: Taiwan’s remote areas are characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, poor road conditions, and faster tire wear. Additionally, low population density makes it difficult for traditional public transportation services to operate, creating challenges for residents in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment.

To help bridge this gap, Bridgestone Taiwan has been supporting the BuBu Sharing initiative since 2018 through tire donations, ensuring safer and more reliable transportation for residents.

Launched by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in 2018, the BuBu Sharing initiative is a people-centered, flexible transportation service designed to address mobility issues in rural areas. Incorporating local drivers, diverse vehicles, and nonprofit organizations, the program offers point-to-point, reservation-based shared transport for essential needs like attending school, receiving medical care, and commuting.

Bridgestone Taiwan partnered with the government-commissioned private organization Din Han Engineering in 2021 to further strengthen the initiative, ensuring safe and sustainable transport solutions for rural communities. The program was later renamed the Happiness Bus 2.0 Project to reflect its evolving impact.

Key outcome of the BuBu Sharing initiative: Over the past six years, BuBu Sharing has significantly improved transportation accessibility in remote communities. In 2023, the initiative made an outcome through:

  • 345 days of operation/service
  • 17,674 passengers/beneficiaries served
  • 3,193 trips completed
  • 54,542 kilometers covered

Beyond transportation, the initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for rural residents by:

  • Providing essential access to education, healthcare, and work opportunities
  • Supporting local businesses through improved mobility
  • Strengthening community connections and fostering social interaction
  • Promoting Bridgestone’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable mobility solutions

Through ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, Bridgestone Taiwan remains committed to ensuring safe and inclusive transportation, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve everyday mobility for those in need.

Bridge to Knowledge campaign (Vietnam)



Noc Soa 2 Bridge

Bridgestone is making community safety more sustainable with its services, products, and initiatives. For example, during Vietnam’s rainy seasons, many of the country’s worn-out wooden bridges pose significant safety challenges for people commuting to work and school. To help, the Bridge to Knowledge campaign, led by Bridgestone Tire Sales Vietnam LLC, aims to build and maintain bridges in the country for ten years.

The Group built one new bridge in Vietnam in 2024, bringing the total number of bridges built to 11 as of the end of 2024. The new bridge serves 330 people in the community, including 40 students. This infrastructure provides peace of mind and safe access to educational facilities and amenities.

Logistic team delivers training to drive road safety awareness (Vietnam)


In 2024, Bridgestone’s technical team in Vietnam provided onsite training on road safety and tire safety knowledge to fleet customer Yusen Logistics and other OEM dealers. The team also distributed road safety stickers to further encourage road safety practices.

Road Safety Day (Germany)

Bridgestone held a road safety event in cooperation with the NETTO retail chain. Team members checked tread depth, adjusted tire pressure, and informed customers about optimum tire conditions. This event focused on raising awareness of the importance of keeping tires in good condition. 48 cars were checked in total and 64 end users reached through the program. Six teammates volunteered in setting up the booth and checking tires.

Road Safety Day (Hungary)


Bridgestone Tatabánya hosted its annual Road Safety Day in August 2024, bringing together employees and their families for an engaging and educational experience.

The day featured a variety of activities designed to promote road safety awareness. Attendees had the opportunity to experience a roll-over crash simulator and a drink-driving simulator, providing impactful lessons on the importance of safe driving. Demonstrations by firefighters showcased real-life rescue operations, including dramatic traffic accident rescues, leaving a lasting impression on participants.

Children enjoyed the mini traffic circuit, where they could drive small electric cars and learn about road safety in a fun, interactive setting. Local police were also among those who contributed to the event, with a wheel of fortune game and informative materials, enhancing the day’s educational value.

Media engagement further expanded the reach of the Road Safety Day: the main local print medium in the county reported on the event. The Road Safety Day exemplified Bridgestone’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety, both on and off the road, while providing a memorable experience for approximately 2,300 participants.

Road safety education by employees (Poland)


In Poznan, Poland, employee volunteers have been involved in road safety education since 2008. Interactive road safety lessons are conducted with the Bridgestone Test Dummy character. To date, employees have offered 550 workshops to almost 40,000 students in more than 600 schools in and around Poznan.

Brake & Tire Watch – tire safety training (South Africa)


Bridgestone South Africa continued with its Brake & Tire Watch initiative, which is aimed at raising awareness among transport operators about the importance of efficient braking, tire checks, and preventative maintenance on trucks. The initiative covers all safety-critical aspects, including tires, lighting, reflective markings, and more, ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy and safe.

A key aspect of the project is empowering traffic officials with specialized knowledge. This enables them to perform their roles more effectively, particularly in identifying and removing unroadworthy heavy vehicles from the roads. Bridgestone’s Technical Manager led essential tire safety training sessions in collaboration with Fleet Watch, in the form of monthly workshops. These workshops reached 800 traffic officers, providing them with the expertise needed to enhance road safety and enforce regulations more efficiently. This initiative underscores Bridgestone's commitment to improving road safety and supporting the professional development of road safety officials.

Road Education Circuit (PSM Plant, Spain)


The Bridgestone plant in Puente San Miguel, in collaboration with the local town hall and the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), organized the second edition of a road safety education circuit aimed at schoolchildren from Torrelavega. Over two days, around 250 children aged 7 to 10 took part in this initiative, held at the Ferial grounds.

The young participants received both theoretical and practical training on traffic rules, enhanced by a children’s traffic park where they used tricycles. As a special additional activity, the DGT set up a bicycle skills circuit, designed to teach children to respect traffic signals and navigate obstacles in a fun and engaging way.

This activity, part of Bridgestone’s Global Road Safety Program umbrella campaign, aims to promote road safety and prevent accidents among future drivers. The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from the Bridgestone plant, as well as local road safety authorities, who highlighted the success of the previous edition.

Become a Road Safety Hero (UK and Ireland)


Bridgestone UK & Ireland organized an innovative road safety campaign based on a postcard, demonstrating to motorists the size of the contact patch that connects their car to the road. The postcard also outlined a simple three-point check for tire tread depth, pressure and condition, and encouraged motorists to check their tires regularly. The cards were distributed at a number of tire check events in the UK and Ireland. The locations included Bridgestone premises, motorway service outlets, and car enthusiast events. The objective at these events was to have people check their tires and to encourage family and friends to do the same by passing on the tire check message and knowledge provided on the card. By distributing the cards and showing others how to check tires, participants could become “Road Safety Heroes.” The card and tire safety message was also distributed and promoted digitally, with 3,000 cards distributed, reaching 70,000 people during the campaign, which coincided with the UK and Ireland's national tire safety promotion. There were 15 staff members directly involved in the activities across the region.

Message from a Teammate

Helen Roe
Bridgestone UK Ltd., Brand Activation and Business Marketing Manager

Through our various volunteering projects, we contributed to the Bridgestone West One Million Minutes Campaign. We specifically highlighted road and tire safety and how “tires carry life.” To serve this purpose, we provided lots of free tire checks across many events.

This year, we also have carried out several environmental projects, such as cleaning up communities.

I believe volunteering gives me the opportunity to work with colleagues I don't normally work with on a day-to-day basis. I loved it and I think you can get a lot out of it. I recommend everybody to go for it.

Bicycle road safety training course (Japan)


The Bicycle Use Promotion Act came into force in 2017 in Japan. Coupled with the spread of battery-assisted bicycles, the country has seen increasingly diverse opportunities for bicycle use, including for picking up and dropping off children at daycare centers, for senior citizens who stop driving motor vehicles, and for the proliferation of delivery services. These changes have put a spotlight on new bicycle traffic safety issues.

As an authority in the bicycle industry in Japan, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. works with local governments, schools, and police stations nationwide to carry out bicycle road safety courses for each life stage, from preschoolers to families and senior citizens. The courses provide opportunities to learn road safety rules, incorporating safe bicycle riding methods and training in risk prediction based on observations from actual bicycle accident sites. In 2024, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. conducted 54 bicycle road safety courses for 2,600 people. Based on the knowledge gained from the courses, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. has produced a road safety awareness video.

In addition, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. is participating in trials spanning various industries, including automakers and insurance companies, that aim to achieve zero traffic fatalities and injuries to children and damage to bicycles. Also, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. works with the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and local governments across the country, and collaborates from a policy perspective as part of a partnership between the public and private sectors.

Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. tailors its bicycle safety seminars to local issues. Also, recognizing the difficulty of achieving zero traffic fatalities and injuries through its own efforts alone, it is actively working to collaborate with the public and private sectors and other industries in road safety awareness activities.

Good Driver Lessons: Road safety training for senior citizens (Japan)


As Japanese society ages, accidents caused by elderly drivers are increasing. Bridgestone is participating in Good Driver Lesson road safety courses targeting senior citizens. The hands-on courses, organized by the NPO Good Driver Lesson in collaboration with automakers, insurance companies, local car dealerships, local governments, local police, and other stakeholders, aim to prevent accidents among elderly drivers. In 2024, a total of 10 courses were held, with a total of 380 people participating.

Taking into consideration the physical and cognitive functions necessary for safe driving, the hands-on Good Driver Lessons for elderly drivers seek to prevent unfortunate accidents by conveying the message that cars are not just convenient tools, but that driving can be enjoyable, and to help these drivers to continue to enjoy safe, enjoyable, and comfortable experiences with cars. Bridgestone’s role in the courses is to offer lectures on tire safety; it conducts awareness-raising activities on the dangers of worn tires and the importance of checking air pressure and other tire inspections.

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