Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Robert Colonna

1. Where are you connected?
Western University, London, Ontario, Canada

2. How did you first get involved in road safety?
I got involved with road safety during my graduate studies within the i-Mobile Driving Research Lab, at Western University. For my M.Sc., I investigated the factors influencing cannabis-impaired driving among young Canadian drivers. Findings from this study were astonishing and it inspired me to continue researching impaired driving among youth. I also joined the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP) and became part of their Young Professionals' Committee. CARSP is a non-profit agency that supports Canada’s road safety community by providing access to multidisciplinary information, research, and networking opportunities. The Young Professionals' Committee is a sub-committee of CARSP and consists of students and young professionals working to improve Canadian road safety.

3. Tell us about the work you’re doing now?
As a current Ph.D. student in Health Promotion, I am working on developing an intervention to reduce and prevent cannabis-impaired driving among young Canadians. With cannabis now legal and easily accessible among young high-risk drivers, targeted prevention efforts are crucial! I have also recently become the Chair of CARSP's Young Professionals' Committee. In this role, I assist in organizing the annual CARSP Conference and plan other local events for young professionals.

4. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety?
I joined the Coalition to represent CARSP's Young Professionals' Committee. At the recent 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety (Sweden), it was apparent that there was a lack of Canadian representation- no Canadian youth attended. Therefore, our association was inspired to join the Coalition and collaborate with like-minded individuals to improve road safety in our country and others globally. We believe that sharing our experiences and resources with members of the Coalition will better support our future initiatives and yours. We look forward to working with other youth who are as motivated as we are! 

5. What are your comments on the Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities?
We await with pleasure any future events held by the Coalition! We are especially excited to connect with individuals who have implemented successful initiatives that could be translated into our context.

6. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the coalition?
We are stronger together! If we want to see a change, we need to unite and collaborate. Join and start #claimingourspace