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.”