The research work established a model for calculating the medical costs incurred by car accident victims.
(San Juan, Puerto Rico – 21 October 2021)– By comparing different databases and statistical models, doctor in engineering, Dr Josie D. Bianchi Santiago, created a mathematical model that estimates the medical costs that could be incurred by a car accident victim, depending on the circumstances of the crash they were involved in.
Through her research, Bianchi Santiago developed a model that correlates the estimated medical costs and identification of locations in which crashes leading to injuries are more likely in Puerto Rico. The study represents the first time that foreign databases have been combined with information gathered in Puerto Rico on crash victims, potentially offering very important information for the purposes of joining forces in addressing road safety.
Her doctoral thesis, “A Framework with a Cost Estimation Model and the Identification of High Vehicle Crash Locations with Injured Persons in Puerto Rico”, saw her receive the Abertis Chair Awards in the categories of Road Safety and Transport Infrastructure. This is the eighth edition of the International Chair awards set up by the Abertis Foundation in Puerto Rico.
“By promoting research and development activities, the International Network of Abertis Chairs, in cooperation with universities, promotes the development of intellectual capital and contributes to providing the expert community in particular, and society in general, with the general progress made in the field, with the ultimate aim of constantly improving mobility and people's quality of life,” asserted Georgina Flamme, Director of Institutional Relations, Communication and Sustainability at Abertis.
Each year, the Chair recognises the work of civil engineering masters and doctoral students in relation to the development of transport infrastructures and road safety. In Puerto Rico, the Chair forms part of a cooperation between Abertis, which manages the operation of the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge, and Metropistas, a consortium that manages the operation of the PR-22 and PR-5 toll roads, and the University of Puerto Rico (UPR),
“As a leading institution in the generation of knowledge in the country, it is our responsibility to promote research, teaching and learning in all fields that help Puerto Rico to advance in all areas”, asserted the interim president of the UPR, Mayra Olavarría Cruz. She also added that “road safety is essential to the development and planning of society. It is not simply about having roads that are in good condition, with smart lighting and safe bridges. It is about making citizens safe, while ensuring that the road infrastructure facilitates commercial activities and serves as a core element in the economic development of the country, in addition to guaranteeing a better quality of life”.
This year, for the first time, an honourable mention went to engineer Manuel Porrata Arbona, a finalist for Infrastructure Management and Transport Services Award, for his research project “Geometric design of sanitary meters and their absence in Puerto Rico's flexible pavements”. His research contains standardised innovative components that promote higher quality construction on tarmac.
“We are really proud to be able to contribute to the development of young researchers in areas as important as road safety and infrastructure management. At Metropistas, we are staunchly committed to safety and innovation, which is why works like those of Bianchi Santiago and Porrata Arbona are essential to undertaking our efforts and educational campaigns”, reported Jorge Veci, Operations Director at Metropistas.
International Chair
The Abertis Chair is an international initiative to promote more advanced knowledge among students of the overall, integrated management of transport infrastructures, in a responsible manner, with an understanding of the social, economic, environmental and cultural impact. The main aims of the Abertis Chair include promoting, in collaboration with the participating universities and institutions, the application of the best practices available for each activity, in addition to driving, developing and promoting projects to make progress with activities related to study and research, helping to create more competitive and successful Puerto Rico.
“The Abertis prize is this alliance's main activity, recognising the excellence of research into transport services and infrastructure management, adding the component of road safety three years ago”, asserted Benjamín Colucci, Director of the Abertis Chair in Puerto Rico since its launch in 2012.
This agreement with the University of Puerto Rico to create the Abertis Chair for Transport Infrastructure Management forms part of the network of Abertis Chairs located in Chile, Brazil, Spain, France, Italy and Mexico, an international community of knowledge to share goals and projects with a view to promoting an invigorating, electrifying and innovative exchange.
Abertis Group, Metropistas and road safety
Road safety is a priority for Abertis and its partner, Metropistas. The Abertis Group focuses its efforts and its experience in transport infrastructure and communications in road maintenance, technological advances and educational awareness campaigns supporting the most vulnerable road users and society (children, young people, senior citizens and disabled people). This year, Abertis and UNICEF reached a collaboration agreement to combat the main cause of death in school-age children: road accidents.
Between 2014 and 2020, road accidents resulting in crash victims fell by 70% on the PR-22 and PR-5 toll rods, managed by Metropistas. These figures can be directly traced to the investment made in improving the road surface, structures, signage, lighting and other efforts that have enhanced road security during the company's first decade in Puerto Rico.
Metropistas undertakes annual road safety campaigns to encourage responsible conduct on the road. This year, it launched the Road Safety 360 programme, which involves educational campaigns in different areas related to driver responsibility with their surroundings. To find out more, visit www.metropistas.com
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Metropistas (Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico, LLC) is a consortium that has operated the PR-22 (Expreso De Diego) and PR-5 toll roads since 2011 and is entrusted with improving, renovating and developing the conditions of this infrastructure and providing world-class services through it. For further details about rates, services and progress with infrastructure projects, visit: www.metropistas.com