During the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, a Brazilian World Endurance Championship event, the FIA is expanding its safety focus beyond the racetrack to recognize companies for their commitment to road safety. The organization will honor businesses certified under the FIA Road Safety Index, a global initiative that assesses the effectiveness of road safety management within corporate and logistical frameworks. This program scrutinizes various aspects, including carrier supervision, driver safety protocols, training modules, substance control measures, journey monitoring, adherence to safety equipment usage, and accident prevention strategies.
The certification procedure involves a two-step evaluation. Initially, companies conduct a thorough self-assessment, providing concrete evidence of their established processes and operational practices. Subsequently, an independent audit by the FIA verifies this information, assigning a final rating based on the identified level of maturity in road safety. ArcelorMittal, a leading steel manufacturer, stands out among the recognized organizations, having achieved the highest three-star rating following an independent audit at its Santa Catarina facility in Brazil. This accomplishment is particularly significant for the company, as it actively contributes to motorsport safety by producing the safety cages utilized in Stock Car racing, structures specifically designed to enhance driver protection during collisions.
Luanda Dantas Guerra, President of the Brazilian Automobile Association (AAB), highlights the certification as a testament to how innovations from motorsport can benefit broader society. She emphasizes that the FIA has a long-standing tradition of translating track-derived knowledge into advancements that enhance public safety. ArcelorMittal's achievement, as the first Brazilian organization to secure the highest rating in the FIA Road Safety Index during a major motorsport event, underscores this synergy. Marcia Spelta, ArcelorMittal's General Manager of Health and Safety, affirms that this recognition validates the company's strong culture of prevention, which is integrated into both its industrial operations and mobility initiatives, aligning with the highest international standards for protecting individuals. The FIA Road Safety Index is progressively being adopted globally, aiding organizations in evaluating and enhancing their road safety practices, thereby fostering a worldwide commitment to integrating motorsport's safety excellence into everyday business and travel.