The Armenia SDG Innovation Lab has built a new tool for road crash data analysis in Armenia – launched in 2023 – which, together with behavioural interventions, is supporting the Government of Armenia to prevent the more than 300 road fatalities that occur in the country each year.

The innovative tool – developed by Armenia SDG Innovation Lab in collaboration with UNDP Armenia and local authorities – is financed by the UN Road Safety Fund. The latter supports 44 projects worldwide.

Starting with data and process mapping, a team of experts used the database from the Republic of Armenia’s Road Police to create an analytical platform for real-time road crash data updates and high-risk spots identification, known as black spots. "Our primary mission is to save lives by identifying high-risk spots and employing intelligent solutions," noted Valerik Harutyuntan, road expert under the project.

For the first time, this new tool is providing the Government and other agencies with a geospatial mapping of road crashes and an analysis of high-risk spots and trends. "By analyzing traffic data, we can pin-point dangerous areas and take action to make streets safer," explained data scientist, Nelli Muradyan.

The decision-makers are now using evidence from the analytics tool in policy-making. Arayik Arakelyan, Head of the Operational Management Center of the Police, stated, “this road crash data analytics tool is very important for monitoring our actions and seeing the impact of our interventions.” 

Based on the analyzed data, the project has also been able to introduce new behavioral interventions nationwide targeting speeding, one of the leading causes of road deaths in Armenia.

Within the framework of two behavioral experiments, targeted messages and nudges were sent out to over 21,000 drivers to encourage safer driving practices. "Behavioral experiments carry the potential to improve daily decisions for the common benefit," said behavioral expert, Vardan Baghdasaryan.

Furthermore, within the project framework, a joint behaviorally-informed education program involving the police, government ministries and UNICEF was implemented. This program incorporates practical and interactive elements, such as games, quizzes, and at-home tests, designed to encourage children and parents to adopt safer road practices.

These initiatives are enabling evidence-based policy-making on road safety in Armenia. The results of the project have paved the way for national partners to use innovation to accelerate the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy.

Building on the results of identified black spots in Armenia, the project is in the process of implementing a pilot intervention on one of the biggest black spots in the country, causing the loss of 37 lives in over 270 accidents between 2019 and 2023. This intervention aims to meticulously redesign and refurbish two pedestrian crossings, fostering an environment that encourages and ensures safer road practices.

"Reframing Road Safety in Armenia" Project is the joint project of UNDP's SDG Innovation Lab, UNICEF Armenia and United Nations Road Safety Fund to help our country achieve a 50% reduction of road deaths by 2030.