On the Road with ASIRT __________________December 2025

__

Dear Friends,

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year with two powerful emotions: cautious optimism and unshakable determination.

Globally, the broader adoption of Safe System approaches — integrating safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and safer people — is contributing to a gradual decline in fatalities. Over the past decade, efforts by governments, NGOs, and partners have helped drive down global road deaths from around 1.35 million in 2016 to closer to 1.19 million today. The death rate in many countries, including those frequently visited by Americans, has declined.

Another powerful reason for optimism is the growing role of technology in preventing crashes and saving lives. Advances in vehicle safety systems, innovations in roadway design, data analytics, and traffic management systems are helping governments identify high-risk locations and intervene before tragedy occurs.

These numbers represent more than statistics — they represent lives saved, families spared unspeakable loss, and communities renewed in their commitment to safer mobility.

Yet while these trends give reason for hope, we know the work ahead remains urgent. Millions still lose their lives on roads each year, and too many injuries change lives forever. Achieving a culture where every road user gets home safely — regardless of how they travel — demands continued effort, innovation, engagement, and vigilance.

As we look to 2026 and beyond, ASIRT remains steadfast in its mission to promote a culture of road safety — one grounded in evidence, innovation, and respect for human life. We will continue to champion proven solutions, foster global partnerships, and support policies that protect travelers and communities alike.

I want to close with my deepest gratitude — to our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, supporters, partners, donors, volunteers, and advocates. Your commitment enables ASIRT to push forward even in the face of daunting challenges. Together, we are making roads safer, saving lives, and moving ever closer to the day when senseless deaths on the world’s roadways are no longer a tragedy we accept, but one we can say we helped end.

Thank you for standing with ASIRT.

Warmly,

Rochelle Sobel

Founder and President

ASIRT

ASIRT Marks 30 Years at Annual Gala


NHTSA Administrator Morrison Participates in Fireside Chat;

Ambassador Marc Grossman and Hyundai’s Brian Latouf Honored

Left to right: Master of Ceremonies and Gala Co-Chair Andrew D. Koblenz; NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison; Brian Latouf of the Hyundai Motor Group; ASIRT Founder and President Rochelle Sobel; Honoree Ambassador Marc Grossman

Senator Norm Coleman and NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison participate in fireside chat.

In one of his first public appearances as the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Jonathan Morrison joined with former Senator Norm Coleman for a fireside chat to discuss his vision for the future of road safety. During his remarks, Administrator Morrison shared his plans to embrace an outward-facing culture at NHTSA and to engage with industry and safety advocates about future technology and NHTSA’s role. In response to a question posed by Senator Coleman, he also spoke about the interconnection of technology, AI, infrastructure design, and personal behavior and how changes in each can save lives on the roads.

Master of Ceremonies and Gala Co-Chair Andrew D. Koblenz and ASIRT Founder and President Rochelle Sobel introduced and spoke about the impressive accomplishments and important roles of the evening’s honorees: Brian Latouf, President and Global Chief Safety and Quality Officer for the Hyundai Motor Group, and Ambassador Marc Grossman.  

Brian Latouf of the Hyundai Motor Group was recognized for spearheading a safety revolution at Hyundai – integrating engineering resources, streamlining global safety operations, and building a culture at Hyundai where safety is foundational and embedded in every decision. In accepting the ASIRT Corporate Leadership in Road Safety Award, Latouf shared noteworthy automotive safety milestones from his 35 years in the industry and highlighted the evolution of technologies which have decreased the impact of behavioral mistakes. He noted that the greatest safety accomplishments result from collaboration among stakeholders, stakeholder partners, automotive companies, regulators, rating organizations, and advocacy groups like ASIRT. 

Ambassador Marc Grossman, who was presented with the ASIRT Lifetime Aron Sobel Guardian Award, was recognized not only for his impressive resume and accomplishments but even more so for his compassion, wisdom, humility, and humanity that have touched so many lives. It was Ambassador Grossman’s vision, leadership, and early recognition of road crashes as a major risk to American travelers that inspired the creation of ASIRT. For 30 years, he has remained ASIRT’s friend, mentor, advisor, and wise counselor as well as a steadfast road safety champion. In accepting his award, Ambassador Grossman talked about families, communities, contributions, and legacies. For him, it was the opportunity to help American citizens who were in trouble of which he is most proud from his career as a diplomat. He included as part of his role the opportunity to support Rochelle Sobel who turned grief into determination to create and lead ASIRT, which he described as “a globally significant, purposeful organization that, in its turn, is committed to serving a community of road users and keeping individuals alive.” Read more.

Founders Circle Gala Attendees

Back row (left to right): Ambassador Marc Grossman; Kimberly Harrington; Miriam Cohen; Benita Sandler; Karen Meister; Debby Weinstein; H. Randall Morgan; Congressman Robert Wexler; Front row (left to right): Susan Zuckerman; Judi Kranz; Rochelle Sobel; Andrew D. Koblenz; Daniel Brod; Laurie Wexler

It's not too late to support ASIRT before the year ends. Learn more.

Road Safety Review (RSR) Update

Recently updated RSRs include Czech Republic (Czechia), Kenya, and Turkey (Türkiye). Free sample reports can be downloaded at asirt.org/resources. Subscriptions are now available for 1, 8, 20, or all reports. Subscribe or renew to access the library of RSRs.

===RSR Fast Fact: Czechia

In Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic), road rage is a criminal offense, defined as “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an intent that occurred on a roadway.” In fact, Czechian road crash statistics contain a category for “Reckless/Aggressive Driving,” one of the few countries within the European Union to make this an actual designation. Repeat offenders are required by law to attend sessions in behavioral therapy.

Along with CCT (Closed-Circuit Television Cameras) cameras, vehicles called “floating cars” (small autonomous vehicles that also fly) fitted with cameras regularly monitor roads and highways. Illegal behaviors include failure to give way or practice safe breaking distances; dangerous overtaking and lane changing; pedestrians who cross against traffic lights or fail to use marked crossings; bicyclists who fail to observe traffic laws; and speeding or driving too slowly. The actions of aggressive pedestrians and reckless cyclists are also recorded and included in a database that details time, place and physical description of all individuals who are involved. 



ASIRT offers Road Safety Reviews for Czechia and more than 100 other countries. If you are planning a trip, consult an ASIRT Road Safety Review for your destination countries.

Driving in a Winter Wonderland

by Sam Shoyer

Winter weather can create dangerous, intimidating conditions on our roads. While beautiful mountain snow and holidays with our families bring us together, we must consider the habits it takes to keep ourselves and our fellow drivers safe throughout the season. I find that preparedness is the key to personal driver safety in the winter. I strongly recommend having the right tires, the right emergency preparedness kit, checking the weather before a drive, and setting serious standards for when to call off an unsafe trip plan. Small habits like making sure to always keep at least a half tank of gas in your car can make a life-saving difference.

While there is often much discussion of 4WD vs. AWD vs. 2 wheel-drive cars and their performance in snow, snow tires are considered more impactful than one’s choice in drivetrain. The logic is that 4WD and AWD help you go forward in snow, but the right tires help you to stop. Putting serious winter tires on a 2WD car seriously increases its potential for safe outcomes in snow. The next best choice for safer tires are All-Weather tires. Read more.

Sam Shoyer is a ski instructor and outdoor industry entrepreneur who lives in Silver Plume, Colorado at 9,400’ elevation.

Road Safety Advocates and Families Participate in Ceremony for 
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

On November 18th, ASIRT President Rochelle Sobel attended a meaningful ceremony at the Montgomery County, Maryland, County Council Office Building, where Councilmember Andrew Friedson presented a proclamation in honor of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and their families. The event was attended by a diverse group of road safety advocates, government representatives, and the families of those affected by road traffic incidents. During the ceremony, ASIRT Advisory Board member Dan Langenkamp and local Transportation Committee Chair Mindy Badin spoke poignantly on behalf of the victims’ families, sharing their stories and underscoring the importance of continued advocacy for road safety.

Residents participate in a ceremony for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims at the Montgomery County Council Office Building in Rockville, Maryland, on November 18, 2025.

In the News

Cities that adjust stoplight cycles to emphasize safety can curb dangerous driving. See how.

(Bloomberg)


A new study reveals that tech to protect pedestrians at night is improving. Learn more.

(Forbes)

Read about NHTSA’s recent release of a multi-year research project on modernizing safety standards for automated vehicles.

(NHTSA.gov)


Identifying and recording near misses can be a more powerful safety tool than actual crash data, providing traffic managers with the power to identify and fix black spots before injuries occur.
Find out more about how near-miss data is revolutionizing road safety.

(Traffic Technology Today)

As part of its Road Safety Report 2025, "Mobility in a Changing World,” German company DEKRA findings show that even with more technology, some types of crashes remain problematic. Discover why.
(Forbes)


The U.S. Transportation Department just released its first female-modeled crash test dummy. Learn how this is meant to close safety gaps in vehicle crash testing.

ASIRT Thanks Its Generous Sponsors

View a complete list of sponsors.

Support ASIRT's mission to improve road safety. Make a contribution today.