HANOI, Vietnam – June 17, 2025

Road traffic crashes result in approximately 1.2 million fatalities every year and are the largest cause of death for young people aged 5 to 29 globally. Despite having only 60% of the world’s registered vehicles, low- and middle-income countries account for 92% of road deaths around the world.

Motorcycles continue to be a high-risk travel mode, with an estimated 3.4 million deaths from motorcycle crashes globally between 2008 and 2020. The 2023 Global Road Safety Status Report, published by the World Health Organization, highlights that nearly 21% of all road traffic fatalities reported in the survey involve powered two- and three-wheelers, such as motorcycles, mopeds, or scooters. In countries like Vietnam, commercial motorcyclists with their rising proportion and lengthy time on the road are exposed to a higher risk compared to private-use motorcyclists.

To prevent further unnecessary risk, AIP Foundation, in partnership with the World Bank’s Global Road Safety Facility and Grab Vietnam, a leading superapp in Southeast Asia, is implementing a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to improve awareness and adopt best practices in safe behavior. This program contributes to the World Bank’s ‘Innovative Approaches to Improve the Safety of Motorcyclists’ Initiative.

The safety sessions, which took place in Vinh Phuc (near Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City, aimed to enhance the safety of motorcycle drivers within the ride-hailing industry through the development and delivery of a targeted safety curriculum. The program follows a structured approach, incorporating both theoretical and practical components designed to improve driver safety, reduce traffic crashes, and promote safe riding practices.

“At Grab, the safety of our driver-partners and passengers is always our top priority. This collaborative initiative demonstrates Grab’s commitment and efforts in building a safe, civilized, and sustainable transportation environment in Vietnam, while also equipping driver-partners with essential knowledge, skills, and support. We hope that, through the program, Grab driver-partners will have a stronger foundation and greater confidence to operate effectively and complete safe rides with Grab,” said Ms. Ly Thuy Bich Huyen, Head of Central Operations at Grab Vietnam.

The technical content for the sessions incorporated answers from Grab Vietnam drivers via a Training Need Assessment Survey. The topics covered were Defensive Driving Techniques, Maneuvering Techniques, Traffic Law Compliance and Safe Riding Behavior, and Practical Application and Reinforcement.

A dynamic, four-session program was conducted for 140 Grab Vietnam drivers. Expert trainers from Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction’s Academy of Construction Strategy and Cadres Training, alongside Honda Vietnam, led the initiative. During the sessions, drivers gained fresh knowledge and mastered new skills through hands-on practice at Honda Vietnam’s cutting-edge training centers, simulating real-road scenarios they may face. This program empowers participants with enhanced safety and expertise to safeguard them and their passengers.

This collaborative program presents a unique and sustainable partnership opportunity that extends beyond immediate training outcomes. By aligning the safety priorities of the World Bank and AIP Foundation, this initiative creates a long-term framework for continuous improvement in driver safety. The program not only equips drivers with the skills and knowledge to reduce road crashes but also builds the internal capacity of ride-hailing companies to embed these safety practices into their operational models. The program further plans to supplement and support ride-hailing platforms in implementing in-depth session activities on traffic safety, especially focusing on practical safe driving skills, in addition to previously conducted training content.

“We are proud to join forces with the World Bank and Grab. This initiative is all about embedding a culture of continuous safety improvement across all relevant groups—from individual drivers who will gain essential skills, to ride-hailing companies like Grab that will integrate safety deeper into their operations, and ultimately benefiting all people and businesses using the transport system. We’re building a safer, more responsible transport ecosystem for everyone across Vietnam,” said Mirjam Sidik, Chief Executive Officer at AIP Foundation.