Global Youth Coalition Member feature: Tharindu Ranawaka

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
Currently, I’m working as a project engineer (transportation) at the Transportation Engineering Division, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. I’m also working as a visiting lecturer in two major universities in Sri Lanka.

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 was introduced to road safety during my master’s studies. My research topic was titled “Development of a methodology to evaluate safety performance in low volume roads”.

So far, I’ve developed a methodology to capture safety issues and prioritize them based on a “Safety Index”. This was developed considering the methodologies used by iRAP and USRAP and evaluated using real-time crash data.

We also developed a multi-objective optimization methodology to incorporate safety performance along with road conditions in pavement management systems. I have published the findings in prestigious conferences and journals, with the latest publication in the 100th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board held last January 2021. I’ve been working in the road safety field for 3 years now.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about the road safety and sustainable mobility situation in your area?
Despite road crashes happening regularly in my area, it is not recognized as a high-risk zone. One of the major issues that should be taken into considerations are vulnerable road users like young bike riders and drivers. I’ve noticed that there is a tendency to get involved in racing on newly built roads - this also poses a risk to other road users despite the fact that the racing only happens during midnight when the traffic volumes are very low. There are some roads that have been developed over time. The surfaces of the roads are in excellent condition, however, it is clear that they are not designed according to road safety standards.

4. Why do you think it's important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts?
Young people are always exposed to the risk of road crashes and are capable of creating and implementing strategic solutions to resolve this.

Rather than sticking into conventional problem-solving methods, they think differently. Also, since they have more energy to work, they can give a good commitment to find solutions for existing problems.

They always like changes. So, they will take major decisions, considering almost all the minor decisions that can affect to it.

5. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety?
To share my knowledge with a team that works for a common target: “Claiming our space for safe mobility”. I also know that I can improve my knowledge and experience by working with professionals and youth leaders from diverse and versatile environments.

6. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the coalition
This is really an important platform for young people who want to commit themselves to make roads safer for everyone. In the Coalition, you get lots of opportunities. You can take part in various activities. You will meet many professionals, you will meet new friends (I have made many new friends from Coalition), and you can find a way to do your part to help save lives. You will find a way to share your knowledge and experiences with people from all around the world.

I kindly invite you to join hands with us. Let’s commit together to make safer roads for all the users.