Author: Ioannis Papadogiorgakis
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) in cooperation with the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) organized with great success the PIN Talk “Improving the safety of e-scooter riders”, which took place in Rome, Italy, on November 15, 2024. This event focused in addressing current challenges, share best practices, and propose safety measures to support the safe integration of e-scooters in urban environments across Europe. 
NTUA actively contributed with the following presentation:
NTUA actively contributed with the following presentation:
A paper titled Predicting risky driving behavior with classification algorithms: results from a large-scale field-trial and simulator experiment authored by Thodoris Garefalakis, Eva Michelaraki, Stella Roussou Christos Katrakazas, Tom Brijs and George Yannis has been published in European Transport Research Review. The study analyzed large-scale data from real-world driving and simulator experiments, highlighting that models can predict dangerous behaviors, such as speeding and harsh braking, with accuracy rates as high as 84%. The findings emphasize the importance of using data-driven approaches to anticipate and mitigate risky behaviors, which are a leading cause of road crashes. This research reinforces the need for innovative tools to create safer driving environments and reduce accident risks. 
A paper titled Spatial analysis of telematics-based surrogate safety measures authored by Dimitrios Nikolaou, Apostolos Ziakopoulos, Armira Kontaxi, Athanasios Theofilatos and George Yannis has been published in Journal of Safety Research. This study investigates the effects of traffic calming measures such as speed humps, chicanes, and roundabouts on road safety, air quality, and noise pollution. The findings reveal that implementing traffic calming strategies such as speed humps, chicanes, and roundabouts can reduce traffic crashes by more than 25%, with a remarkable 40% decrease in severe injuries involving vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. These measures also encourage safer driving behaviors by lowering vehicle speeds, which significantly enhances safety in densely populated urban areas.
An open-access book titled “Shared Mobility Revolution: Pioneering Autonomous Horizons” was recently published under the framework of the Horizon 2020 project SHOW (SHared automation Operating models for Worldwide adoption). This book reports on technologies and business models focusing on supporting the deployment of shared, connected, and electrified automation in urban transport. Chapters discuss practical issues concerning mobility data management, strategies to improve user acceptance and engagement, and reports on assessment and simulation techniques to test shared automated shuttles in various contexts. These discussions provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers shaping user-centered, sustainable future automated mobility. NTUA actively contributed with the following chapter, co-authored by Maria Oikonomou, Marios Sekadakis, Apostolos Ziakopoulos and George Yannis:
The European Commission and the Hungarian Public Roads together with the European Transport Research Platforms ACARE, ALICE, CEDR, ECTP, ERRAC, ERTRAC, ETRA and Waterborne are organizing the Transport Research Arena Conference (TRA2026) which will take place in Budapest, Hungary on 18-21 May 2026. The conference aims to advance sustainable, inclusive, and innovative transportation solutions under the theme “ReGeneration in Transport”. 
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) together with World Road Association (PIARC) are organizing the 7th International Conference on Roundabouts and Geometric Design, which will take place in Atlanta, GA on 8-12 June 2025. This interactive conference promotes idea sharing, research, and showcases noteworthy practices and solutions. Mini, compact, multi-lane, and turbo roundabouts will all be featured. The primary objective of the conference is to support and advance global safety, efficiency, equity, and resilience efforts in roadway, interchange, and intersection design for a more sustainable transportation system. Researchers can submit their abstracts until 6 December 2024.
The Edinburgh Napier University together with EWGT and EURO are organizing the 27th Euro Working Group on Transportation Conference (EWGT 2025) which will be held on 1-3 September 2025 in Edinburgh, UK. EWGT is a premier international forum for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of transportation and logistics. Researchers can submit their abstracts until 19 January 2025.
The International Commission for Driver Testing (CIECA) in cooperation with ANIECA are organizing the 57th CIECA Congress, which will be held in Porto, on 28-29 May 2025. This congress, titled “Assessing the difference – different strategies towards a common goal: Vision Zero”, will be bringing together professionals to discuss innovations and best practices in driver training and assessment. Researchers can submit their papers until 6 December 2025.
A paper titled “The HADRIAN novel human–machine interface prototype for automated driving: safety and impact assessment” authored by Marios Sekadakis, Marianthi Kallidoni, Christos Katrakazas, Sandra Trösterer, Cyril Marx, Peter Moertl and George Yannis has been published in European Transport Research Review. The study, assesses the impact of innovative Human–Machine Interface (HMI) prototypes on safety, driving performance, and driver perceptions, focusing on automated driving at SAE Levels 2 or 3. A tailored safety and impact assessment methodology, incorporating Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), highlighted key features that contributed to improved safety and perceived effectiveness. These results suggest that HADRIAN HMI reached a remarkable 95% safety score, marking a substantial improvement over the baseline condition.
The International Road Federation (IRF) together with TotalEnergies recently launched an International Registry for Road Safety Auditors at the IRF World Congress 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. This registry aims to be a global platform in order to recognize qualified auditors and improve road safety standards. By setting universal benchmarks, the registry supports safer roads and reduces traffic injuries worldwide. This initiative ensures better access to skilled professionals for road safety projects globally.
The Horizon 2020 research project SHOW (SHared automation Operating models for Worldwide adoption) has recently released the SHOW Final Newsletter highlighting its successful conclusion and key accomplishments in advancing automated urban mobility. Over four years, SHOW piloted shared, connected, and automated vehicle fleets in real-world conditions across European cities. The project demonstrated how these innovative solutions can integrate with public transport, reducing emissions and urban congestion while enhancing safety and accessibility. As the project ends, its results provide a strong foundation for the future of sustainable and efficient urban transport.
The Institute of Communications & Computer Systems (ICCS) together with International Road Federation (IRF) and several other Organizations, are organising the International Symposium Navigating the Future of Traffic Management in Athens, Greece on 29 June – 3 July 2025. This conference will focus on four thematic tracks: digitalization in traffic management, sustainable mobility strategies, integrated infrastructure systems, and road safety innovations. These tracks aim to address the complex challenges of modern traffic management and offer actionable insights for a safer and more efficient transportation future. Researchers can submit their proposals until 15 December 2024.
The Mobility Unit of DG GROW of the European Commission has recently released a Report titled “Study on the need for harmonised rules to support the rise of micro mobility and increased road safety for personal mobility devices” prepared by Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and FKA GmbH. This report emphasizes the importance of accurate and harmonized data to support evidence-based policymaking and the achievement of Vision Zero targets. The study concluded that enhancing data quality and consistency could reduce road fatalities by up to 50% in some areas, as better data allows for more targeted interventions. The study also highlights gaps in existing data systems, with a particular need for improved reporting on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, who account for a significant proportion of road fatalities in urban areas. By addressing these challenges, the EU aims to foster a unified approach to road safety, leveraging innovative technologies and methodologies to ensure progress toward safer roads for all.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Road Crashes Analysis In Greek Islands” was recently presented by Nikitas Maratos Filippidis. For this purpose, data on monthly arrivals, crashes, and fatalities were collected for 38 Greek islands, which were then divided into four groups based on their geographical location. Subsequently, these correlations were further examined through the development of Generalized Linear Models and Random Forest models using the R programming language. The results showed that arrivals on an island are positively correlated with the number of accidents and fatalities recorded during that period. Additionally, while arrivals were correlated with accidents across each group of islands examined, the results differed, possibly due to better road conditions on islands with high arrival numbers but low accident rates. 
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Analysis of factors influencing traffic conditions changes in Athens” was recently presented by Evi Krini. For this reason, traffic data were collated from selected road segments in Athens, including traffic speed through Google Maps for 62 (road axes) and the hourly traffic volume at 26 points via the Centre for Traffic Management, covering the period from January to July 2022. Additionally, data on weather conditions were gathered, and the final database was completed with geometric road features. Subsequently a Machine Learning algorithm and Cluster Analyses were conducted. The application of the models revealed that traffic metrics are significantly related to the time and type of day (weekday/weekend), with peak traffic volume occurring on weekdays during morning rush hours. Moreover, an increase in temperature is associated with a decrease in traffic volume in the morning and an increase in the evening, while the presence of rain increases low volume of traffic and decreases high traffic speeds.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Critical factors of safe micromobility in Greece” was recently presented by Anestis Gkiourtzidis. For this purpose, descriptive analysis was conducted on a sample of 63 electric scooter users, and 9 binomial logistic regression models were developed based on data from the third edition of the international ESRA survey (E-Survey on Road Users’ Attitudes). The results showed that older users and those who recognize risks such as speed and lack of attention adopt safer practices. Social pressure within an area influences compliance with road safety rules, while women demonstrate more cautious behavior compared to men. Despite the mandatory use of helmets, many users do not comply, indicating the need for stricter enforcement and education. Based on the findings, several recommendations are proposed to improve the road safety of electric scooter users, including stricter law enforcement and targeted improvements to road infrastructure.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Analysis of drink and drive on driven behavior and safety in urban environment” was recently presented by Themis Bouropoulou. To achieve this goal, an experimental procedure was conducted using a driving simulator, through which the driving data of 35 participants were collected. To complete the necessary data collection, participants’ characteristics were also determined through a questionnaire survey. The analysis of the results was done through statistical analysis, specifically by developing statistical models using linear and binomial logistic regression. The main conclusions are that as the amount of alcohol in the body increases, the likelihood of an accident in an urban environment also increases. The distance from the vehicle ahead decreases as alcohol consumption increases. Finally, as the alcohol level in the body rises, the driver’s average reaction time to potential obstacles also increases.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Safety Impact Investigation of an automated shuttle service based on network traffic simulation” was recently presented by Maria Takka. For this purpose, three scenarios were carried out that differed in terms of the percentage of conventional and autonomous vehicles. For data analysis, polynomial logistic regression models were developed for each scenario. The results showed that the speed limit, the maximum deceleration of the second vehicle, the difference in vehicle speeds as observed at the minimum time-to-collision, the initial deceleration rate of the second vehicle, the type of conflict and the traffic capacity have a significant influence on the simulated hazard, which indicates critical conditions for the occurrence of a crash.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Preferences of Public Transport passengers towards contactless bank card payments” was recently presented by Konstantinos Fotopoulos. To achieve this objective, data collection was conducted through a questionnaire with focused questions, completed by a large sample of commuters. Subsequently, binary and multinomial logistic regression models were developed. Results indicate that as the difficulties in purchasing tickets decrease and payment security is ensured, passengers are more likely to adopt the new payment and boarding system. In particular, those who seek information about the new system are more likely to embrace it, as they recognize its benefits. Access to information and familiarity with contactless payments play a critical role in strengthening their confidence, making them more open to new payment practices, such as using bank cards or digital wallets.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Ιnvestigation of dangerous driving behaviour by exploiting naturalistic driving data” was recently presented by Eleni Theodoraki. To achieve this goal, fuseful data related to driver behaviour were collected through a naturalistic driving experiment in real-life conditions in Belgium and England combining machine and deep learning algorithms . The results showed that the most significant variables were the occurrence or non-occurrence of sudden acceleration and the occurrence or non-occurrence of sudden braking in Belgium and the total travel distance and the occurrence or non-occurrence of sudden acceleration in England.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Critical factors of motorcyclists self-declared behaviour and safety globally” was recently presented by Dimitrios Oikonomou. For this purpose, five Binomial Logistic Regression models were used, exploiting data from the third edition of the ESRA survey (E-Survey on Road Users’ Attitudes). The five dependent variables used concerned riding without a helmet, riding under the influence of alcohol / substances, using mobile phone while riding, and exceeding the speed limit for moped and motorcycle riders. The statistical models confirmed that the independent variables in each model play a key role in self-reported behavior and motorcyclist safety globally. Gender stands out as an important factor, with men more prone to engaging in irregular behaviors. Another significant factor is environmental respect, as drivers who litter on the road are more likely to exhibit such behaviors.
A NTUA Diploma Thesis titled “Analysis of eco-driving benefits in urban and highway environments using driving simulator” was recently presented by Maria Ioanna Sousouni. To achieve this objective, an experiment was conducted in a driving simulator, and 39 young people participated to collect road data. The developed statistical models were related to carbon dioxide emission, carbon monoxide emission, nitrogen oxide emission and the accident probability. It was shown that eco-driving contributes to reducing the emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and the probability of the driver being involved in an accident. The study showed that urban roads produce fewer pollutants than highways, but the risk of accidents is significantly higher, highlighting a major road safety concern.
Τhe European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has published the 47th PIN Flash Report titled “Improving the Road Safety of E-scooters“. This Report calls for the development of mandatory technical requirements for all e-scooters sold in the European Union, highlighting the need for stronger road safety measures across Europe. Key recommendations include stricter e-scooter safety standards, such as a 20 km/h speed limit, to address rising urban safety concerns. Enhanced regulations aim to ensure safer roads for all users.
A paper titled “Effectiveness of 30 km/h speed limit – A literature review” authored by George Yannis and Eva Michelaraki has been published in Journal of Safety Research. This study evaluates the impact of 30 km/h speed limits on road safety, emissions, fuel consumption, traffic flow, livability and public health. It was revealed that city-wide 30 km/h speed limit can save (on average) over 40% of lives, 30% of crashes, 20% of emissions and 3.7 dB of noise, while no impact in travel times was observed. Results demonstrated significant subsequent increase of active travelling (pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooters) and Public Transport passengers, as mobility conditions become more user friendly to the vulnerable road users. Public awareness campaigns and promoting active mobility options, such as walking and cycling, could further support the adoption of city-wide 30 km/h speed limits.
The Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT/CERTH) in cooperation with the Hellenic Institute of Transportation Engineers (HITE) are organizing the 12th International Congress on Transportation Research (ICTR 2025), which will take place on 16-18 October 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The spotlight theme of the 2025 Congress is “Transportation in the era of Artificial Intelligence”. Researchers can submit their abstracts until 31 January 2025. 
The Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) is organizing the 24th Road Safety Hackathon, which will take place in Riga, Latvia, on November 15-17, 2024. This event aims to collaborate, innovate and create solutions to improve road safety. Members and observers from many countries will enrich the discussion aiming to help improve road safety. The Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) already organized with great success three Warm-up Events prior to the main event which were held online on 25 October, 4 and 8 November 2024, with the active support of NTUA which contributed with the following presentations:
The Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) already organized with great success three Warm-up Events prior to the main event which were held online on 25 October, 4 and 8 November 2024, with the active support of NTUA which contributed with the following presentations:
The University of Twente together with TRAIL organized with great success the Cycling, Micromobility and Road Safety Seminar in Enschede, Netherlands on 1 November 2024. The primary focus of this seminar was to support micromoblility efforts toward safer roads across Europe. Experiences and lessons learned from across Europe were shared, identifying best practice which can address the changing patterns of micromobilty in the European cities. NTUA Professor George Yannis actively contributed with the following presentation:
POLIS, the European Cities Network, has organized with great success the Safety and Security Working Group Meeting which was held online on 30 October 2024. The POLIS Safety and Security Working Group focused on the effectiveness of lower speed limits and Low-Traffic Neighborhoods in enhancing road safety. NTUA Professor George Yannis actively contributed with the following presentation:
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has published a Position Paper titled “EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 Funds for Road Safety“. In this paper, ETSC presents recommendations for funding for road safety initiatives within the next long-term EU budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). These recommendations should support work towards meeting EU’s Vision Zero target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, paving the way for safer roads across Europe.
The European Union Road Federation (ERF) has released the updated Recommendations for Sign Inspection. These guidelines provide the road community with important updated information on practices and technical recommendations to reduce roadside injuries and fatalities. The publication aligns with the EU’s Vision Zero goals, emphasizing the importance of safe infrastructure in accident prevention and injury mitigation.
