Bringing European Road Safety Strategies to the U.S.

The United States is looking to Europe for road safety solutions as traffic fatalities reach a 40-year high. In a recent Triple-I Executive Exchange, MAPFRE USA CEO Jaime Tamayo discussed how European strategies—especially those tied to Sweden’s Vision Zero initiative—can be adapted for U.S. roads. With significantly lower road-related fatalities, Europe’s approach emphasizes policy changes, technological advancements, and public education.

MAPFRE has actively supported Vision Zero principles in the U.S. for over two decades. In Massachusetts, for example, the insurer sponsors a highway assistance program that has covered more than 30 million miles, aiding stranded motorists. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Portland are also embracing Vision Zero, using data-driven strategies to improve pedestrian safety and reduce crashes.

Hoboken, N.J., stands out as a Vision Zero success story, marking seven years without a traffic fatality. With road deaths surging nationwide, these European-inspired efforts offer promising solutions to enhance safety and reduce accidents on U.S. roads.