China’s Traffic Safety Leadership and iRAP Innovation on Show in Wuhan

China’s use of advanced technologies and AI for traffic safety was on show in Wuhan last week supported by iRAP’s shared innovation and collaboration for safer roads worldwide.

iRAP Acting CEO Greg Smith was a keynote speaker at the 2025 China Road Traffic Safety Innovation and Cooperation Conference attended by 2,000 invited delegates, followed by the 15th China International Road Traffic Security Products Expo on 22 and 23 April. He was joined by iRAP’s Global Programme and Communications Manager Judy Williams.

Organized by the China Road Safety Association (CRSA), Research Institute for Road Safety of MPS (RIRS), the Ministry of Public Security’s Traffic Safety Research Centre and China Railway Science and Industry Group Co. (CRSIC), the events showcased innovations in intelligent transportation and security, automated connected vehicles, traffic safety systems, AI-powered road safety assessment and enforcement, and integrated information platforms to enhance road safety and traffic management efficiency.

iRAP’s global innovation and collaboration for safer roads was shared, including the charity’s artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships. iRAP’s AiRAP Initiative for the ‘accelerated and intelligent’ capture of road safety-related data is using AI to revolutionise road safety assessment, crash risk mapping and investment prioritisation for all road users. Case studies from Australia and Vietnam were presented.

The Wuhan events drew together high-level government officials, transportation authorities, urban planners, road safety engineers, smart city developers, traffic law enforcement, vehicle manufacturers, logistics companies, AI & IoT solution providers, public safety professionals, and policymakers.

iRAP also took the opportunity to meet with important partners such as the China Communications University (CCU), iRAP Centre of Excellence and ChinaRAP Lead the Research Institute of Highway (RIOH), and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP).

Opportunities to embed 3-star or better safety in China’s Belt and Road Initiative projects were discussed. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, connecting Asia, Europe and Africa, has already seen the development of 4,000km of roads across Africa and 2,000km in Asia, helping to develop trade corridors and economic development in low- and middle-income countries. Embedding 3-star or better safety in the projects will ensure alignment with global road safety standards and reduce deaths and serious injuries for road users and the local communities that reside along the New Silk Road.

How to share China’s experience and expertise in road safety assessment, technologies and evidence-based investment programmes with countries around the world were also explored, including in Africa where road deaths are increasing. China has supported iRAP projects and programme development in a number of countries including Cambodia, Pakistan and New Zealand.

For more information on iRAP’s 17-year ChinaRAP partnership and future opportunities discussed in meetings held with the RIOH team in Beijing following the conference, click here.