(San Juan, Puerto Rico – 21 October 2021)– By comparing different databases andstatistical models, doctor in engineering, Dr Josie D. Bianchi Santiago, created amathematical model that estimates the medical costs that could be incurred by a caraccident victim, depending on the circumstances of the crash they were involved in.

Through her research, Bianchi Santiago developed a model that correlates the estimatedmedical costs and identification of locations in which crashes leading to injuries are morelikely in Puerto Rico. The study represents the first time that foreign databases have beencombined with information gathered in Puerto Rico on crash victims, potentially offeringvery 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 ofHigh Vehicle Crash Locations with Injured Persons in Puerto Rico”, saw her receive theAbertis Chair Awards in the categories of Road Safety and Transport Infrastructure. This isthe eighth edition of the International Chair awards set up by the Abertis Foundation inPuerto Rico.

“By promoting research and development activities, the International Network of AbertisChairs, in cooperation with universities, promotes the development of intellectual capitaland contributes to providing the expert community in particular, and society in general, withthe general progress made in the field, with the ultimate aim of constantly improvingmobility and people's quality of life,” asserted Georgina Flamme, Director of InstitutionalRelations, Communication and Sustainability at Abertis.

Each year, the Chair recognises the work of civil engineering masters and doctoral studentsin 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 theTeodoro Moscoso Bridge, and Metropistas, a consortium that manages the operation of thePR-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 ourresponsibility to promote research, teaching and learning in all fields that help Puerto Ricoto 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. Itis not simply about having roads that are in good condition, with smart lighting and safebridges. It is about making citizens safe, while ensuring that the road infrastructurefacilitates commercial activities and serves as a core element in the economic developmentof the country, in addition to guaranteeing a better quality of life”.

This year, for the first time, an honourable mention went to engineer Manuel PorrataArbona, a finalist for Infrastructure Management and Transport Services Award, for hisresearch project “Geometric design of sanitary meters and their absence in Puerto Rico'sflexible pavements”. His research contains standardised innovative components thatpromote higher quality construction on tarmac.

“We are really proud to be able to contribute to the development of young researchers inareas as important as road safety and infrastructure management. At Metropistas, we arestaunchly committed to safety and innovation, which is why works like those of BianchiSantiago and Porrata Arbona are essential to undertaking our efforts and educationalcampaigns”, reported Jorge Veci, Operations Director at Metropistas.

International Chair

The Abertis Chair is an international initiative to promote more advanced knowledge amongstudents of the overall, integrated management of transport infrastructures, in a responsiblemanner, with an understanding of the social, economic, environmental and cultural impact.The main aims of the Abertis Chair include promoting, in collaboration with the participatinguniversities and institutions, the application of the best practices available for each activity, inaddition to driving, developing and promoting projects to make progress with activities relatedto 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 intotransport services and infrastructure management, adding the component of road safetythree years ago”, asserted Benjamín Colucci, Director of the Abertis Chair in Puerto Ricosince its launch in 2012.

This agreement with the University of Puerto Rico to create the Abertis Chair for TransportInfrastructure Management forms part of the network of Abertis Chairs located in Chile,Brazil, Spain, France, Italy and Mexico, an international community of knowledge to sharegoals and projects with a view to promoting an invigorating, electrifying and innovativeexchange.

Abertis Group, Metropistas and road safety

Road safety is a priority for Abertis and its partner, Metropistas. The Abertis Group focusesits efforts and its experience in transport infrastructure and communications in roadmaintenance, technological advances and educational awareness campaigns supporting themost vulnerable road users and society (children, young people, senior citizens and disabledpeople). This year, Abertis and UNICEF reached a collaboration agreement to combat themain 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-22and PR-5 toll rods, managed by Metropistas. These figures can be directly traced to theinvestment made in improving the road surface, structures, signage, lighting and otherefforts that have enhanced road security during the company's first decade in Puerto Rico.

Metropistas undertakes annual road safety campaigns to encourage responsible conduct onthe road. This year, it launched the Road Safety 360 programme, which involveseducational campaigns in different areas related to driver responsibility with theirsurroundings. To find out more, visit www.metropistas.com

##

Metropistas (Autopistas Metropolitanas de Puerto Rico, LLC) is a consortium that hasoperated the PR-22 (Expreso De Diego) and PR-5 toll roads since 2011 and is entrusted withimproving, renovating and developing the conditions of this infrastructure and providingworld-class services through it. For further details about rates, services and progress withinfrastructure projects, visit: www.metropistas.com

Download press release