Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Shaluka Fernando

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
I am currently working as a civil engineer for a reputed civil engineering consulting firm in Sri Lanka and a postgraduate student at the University of Moratuwa. 

2. How did you first get involved in road safety and how long have you been working in the road safety and sustainable mobility field? 
I started learning more about road safety because of a personal tragedy during my undergraduate period years. The loss of a friend from the university, in a road crash, deeply affected me. It prompted me to specialize in roads and highways during my undergraduate studies.

I began my career as an assistant engineer on a road rehabilitation project where I actively worked to ensure the safety of both workers and road users. As I progressed in my career, I realized the importance of furthering my knowledge and academic qualifications. This led me to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka.

During my master's studies, I was introduced to the field of road safety and decided to focus my research on "Review of Decade of Action in Road Safety: Trends in Vulnerable Road User Crashes in Sri Lanka." I chose this topic because Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) accounted for a significant number of road fatalities in Sri Lanka and across South-East Asia. My objective was to analyze the trends of VRU crashes from 2010 to 2020.

Driven by my motivation to make a positive impact on road safety, I actively pursued various courses and certifications related to road safety. These endeavors allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of road safety, identify causal factors contributing to road crashes, and explore potential improvements in road safety practices.

3. Can you tell us a little about your area's road safety and sustainable mobility situation? 
When compared to other countries, Sri Lanka's attitude towards improving road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, is very poor. More than 80% of all fatalities on the roads involve vulnerable road users (VRUs), with motorcycle users being the most frequent victims. There is also a concerning trend of crashes involving underage and young drivers. Despite the development of the road network in Sri Lanka, the majority of crashes occur in rural areas rather than urban areas. Therefore, I expect to see more attention from the relevant authorities of Sri Lanka to attend to this and make the road safer for all.

4. Why do you think it’s important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts? 
Young people are the ones most vulnerable to crashes, either as drivers or riders. People see that this is usually because of their lack of experience or a perception that driving is an exciting challenge.

The loss of young lives directly impacts the country's economy as it means losing productive individuals. Young people are known for their willingness to take on challenges and their natural leadership qualities. Their unique way of thinking, coupled with their new ideas and high energy, can be used to advocate for road safety and get more attention from both the public and the government.

Incorporating young people into road safety programs and giving them a platform to express their views would be beneficial. By doing so, government and relevant authorities can learn about the perspectives of different age groups and understand what areas need improvement. Involving youth in these initiatives would not only empower them but also provide a fresh and innovative outlook on how to address road safety concerns. This collaboration could lead to more effective road safety practices and ultimately save lives.

5. Are there any other updates on your work you would like to share? 
One of my objectives is to publish road crash details in a web-based, user-friendly platform with a collaboration of the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Police, and the Road Safety Council of Sri Lanka.

6. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety?
I decided to join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety after my friend introduced me to this movement during my postgraduate studies. As I dug deeper into the activities of this coalition through social media and other sources, I was truly impressed by the impact they were making on a global scale.  The impressive work of the Youth Coalition, driven by young people, resonated with me deeply. I saw an incredible opportunity to be part of this movement and contribute my efforts to improve road safety in Sri Lanka. By joining, I believed I could learn from experienced activists, exchange ideas with like-minded peers from around the world, and gain valuable insights into effective strategies for road safety initiatives.

7. What are your comments on the Youth Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities?
The Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety is undoubtedly a remarkable platform that provides numerous opportunities for young individuals to come together as a unified family with a shared goal of improving road safety. The Youth Coalition's activities are not only informative and educational but also engaging and enjoyable. The combination of fun activities and lessons from seasoned professionals is a fantastic way to keep the youth motivated and committed to the cause.

I would like to give one suggestion of organizing a big road safety camp in partnership with some donor agencies. Such an event could have a tremendous impact on spreading road safety awareness, knowledge, and best practices. Additionally, involving donor agencies could help secure funding for sponsorships or offer financial assistance to those with high potential but have limited resources to join.

8. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the Youth Coalition?
To all those who have not yet joined the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, I would like to invite you all to be a part of this incredible movement. This coalition offers a unique and enriching platform where you can learn, share, and demonstrate your commitment to road safety. If you are someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of others and is willing to contribute your commitment to road safety, then I encourage you to join us. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a safer and more sustainable road environment for everyone.