YOURS – Youth for Road Safety and Mapfre Foundation are proud to announce a new global research initiative in partnership with The George Institute for Public Health. The project, Reimagining Driver Education: How Artificial Intelligence Can Shape the Next Generation, will explore how AI and emerging technologies could strengthen driver education, testing and licensing systems while contributing to safer roads for future generations.
Over the next nine months, the initiative will bring together young people, researchers, policymakers, driver licensing authorities and technology innovators to examine how emerging technologies are already being used across driver education and licensing systems, what opportunities and risks they present, and how they could shape safer mobility systems by 2035.
Road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among young people worldwide. At the same time, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and digital learning tools are transforming how people learn, make decisions and interact with technology. As these innovations continue to evolve, there is growing interest in understanding how they can be applied responsibly, ethically and effectively to improve road safety outcomes.
The project will explore existing and emerging applications of AI and digital technologies across the driver education and licensing journey. Through global research, expert engagement and youth-centred consultations, the initiative will identify promising use cases, analyse potential challenges and develop practical recommendations for policymakers, licensing authorities, driver education providers and technology developers.
A defining feature of the project is its commitment to meaningful youth participation. Through a Youth Steering Committee and regional consultations, young people will help shape the research process, identify priority areas and contribute perspectives on how technology can support safer roads and stronger licensing systems.
As Raquel Barrios, Executive Director of YOURS, explains: “Young people are not only the most affected by road traffic injuries, but they are also the earliest adopters and initiators of new technologies. As AI and emerging innovations transform how we learn, drive, and move, their leadership is essential. This research allows us to understand the evolving landscape of driver education, testing, and licensing, while demonstrating how youth‑driven insight and technological fluency can strengthen road safety systems. It is a natural extension of our mission at YOURS to ensure that young people shape the future of mobility, and that innovation is harnessed responsibly to save lives.”
“IA is changing all aspects of our lives, and driver education, in particular risk awareness, are not exceptions. By partnering with YOURS, we bring both technical expertise and fresh perspectives to this topic. Our aim with this research, and the invaluable participation of The George Institute, is to explore opportunities and identify limitation of IA-powered driver education and transfer this learning to driver education systems and schools around the worl”, says Jesús Monclús, Expert Director of Safe Mobility at Mapfre Foundation.
Mapfre Foundation joins the initiative as project donor, participating also in the research and strategic guidance, dissemination and building on its longstanding commitment to road safety, prevention and innovation.
The George Institute for Global Health bring its global research expertise to this initiative, working alongside YOURS, MAPFRE Foundation, and young people to ensure that AI and emerging innovations are applied equitably and responsibly across diverse licensing systems and communities -and grounded in robust evidence. – Jagnoor Jagnoor, Program Lead, Injury, The George Institute for Global Health
As research partner, The George Institute for Global Health will contribute expertise to help ensure the study is grounded in robust evidence and informed by global perspectives.
This initiative also reflects YOURS’ growing role in connecting youth engagement, advocacy and evidence generation to influence policy and practice. Building on previous publications, policy briefs and toolkits, the project seeks to generate practical recommendations that can support decision-makers, strengthen driver education systems and ultimately contribute to reducing road traffic injuries.
As the research progresses, the project team will engage with stakeholders across sectors and regions, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and shared learning.
For more information or to explore collaboration opportunities, please contact Sana’a Ramez Khasawneh at sanaa@youthforroadsafety.org