What happens when technological innovation meets civic engagement? An unexpected but powerful alliance is born. Not made only of algorithms and dashboards, but of simple, symbolic, and necessary actions—like stopping at a pedestrian crossing.

In the chaotic traffic of our cities, attention to pedestrians—especially the most vulnerable, like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—is too often neglected. Yet, it truly takes little to be effective: a car slowing down, a passerby feeling acknowledged. From this awareness comes ‘Wheels Stopped, Pedestrians Safe,’ a project promoted by AFVS – Association of Road Victims and Families, which found a natural ally in OCTO.

Those who know OCTO are aware of our strong belief in the power of data transforming mobility: to make cities safer, predict risks, and improve driving behavior. But we also know that technology alone is not enough. Empathy, education, and cultural change are needed. And most importantly, concrete action. ‘Wheels Stopped, Pedestrians Safe’ achieves this in a way that is as simple as it is powerful: placing people—called pedestrian assistants—at the most critical crossings, to remind everyone with their mere presence that stopping is a duty, not a kind concession.

Technology That Listens to the Street

OCTO chose to support this project because it shares its core values: the belief that smart mobility is not just about connected vehicles, but about more aware communities. And so, alongside predictive algorithms and crash analysis, we have also put our logo on reflective vests, educational alcohol mats, and materials used in squares, schools, and amusement parks. Not for visibility, but out of responsibility. At public events like Legalità in Piazza in Verona, School Days at Magicland, or the ICARO Project promoted by the Traffic Police, OCTO chose to be present — not as a sponsor, but as an active part of change.

Each pedestrian crossing is a micro-world where implicit rules come into play: who is in more of a hurry, who feels invisible, who expects respect. ‘Wheels Stopped, Pedestrians Safe’ tries to change these rules—not with fines or digital panels, but with attentive eyes, simple gestures, and a discreet yet authoritative presence.

It is here that OCTO’s technological commitment takes on new meaning. It is not just about ‘being innovative,’ but about putting innovation at the service of something greater: urban coexistence, the protection of the vulnerable, prevention as a cultural mindset. There is something profoundly symbolic in this choice: stopping wheels to save lives. Sometimes, progress is not about speed, but about the ability to slow down when needed. To see others. To remember that the road belongs to everyone. And it is precisely on this foundation that OCTO envisions the future of mobility: not just connected, but also conscious.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobility, safety remains one of the core priorities. The increasing number of road accidents demands a concrete reflection on tools capable of preventing human error, which is responsible in 90% of cases. Among these tools, a central role is played by ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems – the driver assistance technologies integrated into next-generation vehicles.

ADAS comprise a family of technologies designed to support the driver in real time, reducing the likelihood of error and anticipating risky situations. These are intelligent functions based on sensors, radars, cameras, and software capable of monitoring the surrounding environment and acting – either assistively or autonomously – on the vehicle’s behavior.

Among the most widespread systems are:

• AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) – automatic braking in case of imminent obstacle;
• LDW/LKA (Lane Departure Warning / Lane Keep Assist) – warning or correction when unintentionally leaving a lane;
• Blind Spot Monitoring – detection of vehicles in the blind spot;
• Adaptive Cruise Control – speed adjustment based on traffic conditions;
• Driver Monitoring System – detection of driver distraction or drowsiness.

ADAS technologies are not mere optional features: they are effective tools for saving lives. They reduce rear-end collisions, prevent road departures, and much more.
The combination of onboard sensors and predictive algorithms creates a “virtual co-pilot” capable of compensating for physiological limits and distractions.

The widespread introduction of ADAS in vehicles is profoundly transforming the risk assessment paradigm in insurance. Static parameters (age, vehicle type, geographic area) are no longer sufficient: dynamic, real-time data is now essential to evaluate actual risk propensity. In this context, telematics technologies play a pivotal role as they allow for:

• detecting the activation and actual use of ADAS features,
• integrating this data with the driver’s behavioral information,
• enabling new underwriting models based on predictive analysis.

Despite their potential, ADAS are not infallible. The main issues encountered in the field include:

• false sense of security perceived by the driver,
• malfunctions due to poor maintenance or environmental conditions,
• lack of standardization among automakers,
• data transferability: ADAS data is not always accessible, readable, or integrable by insurance companies.

For this reason, it is essential to accompany technology with proper usage education, both for private drivers and fleet operators. Through algorithms and predictive models, it becomes possible to precisely assess the actual effectiveness of ADAS in everyday driving scenarios, reconstruct accident dynamics by integrating data such as G-force and assistance system activation, and develop continuously evolving risk profiles. These profiles help define increasingly targeted and personalized pricing and prevention strategies.

ADAS are the first step toward augmented mobility, where technology works in synergy with the driver. But only through full integration with data, telematics, and predictive intelligence can these tools truly express their full potential.

In a competitive context such as corporate mobility, every minute of vehicle downtime represents a tangible cost: service delays, operational inefficiencies, and reputational damage. In this scenario, predictive maintenance – enabled by telematics data – becomes a strategic ally for fleets, transforming vehicle management from reactive to truly proactive.

Until a few years ago, fleets mainly relied on reactive maintenance models (intervening only after a breakdown) or preventive ones (following fixed maintenance intervals). Both approaches have clear limitations: the former exposes fleets to the risk of sudden failures, while the latter may generate unnecessary costs. Predictive maintenance, on the other hand, uses real-time data analysis to anticipate the emergence of problems. Thanks to telematics, parameters such as mileage, component temperature, abnormal vibrations, driving styles, and ECU error codes are collected, analyzed, and transformed into operational insights.

The added value of telematics solutions lies in the integration between onboard devices, analytical platforms, and connected services. The data collected from vehicles is processed by predictive algorithms that identify risk patterns and generate timely alerts for fleet managers. This enables the advance planning of interventions to avoid critical failures; reduce extraordinary maintenance costs; extend vehicle lifespan; and optimize Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Imagine a corporate vehicle starting to show a steady increase in vibration on an axle, detected by telematics sensors. The system interprets the data as an early sign of wear and alerts the fleet manager of the potential risk. Thanks to this warning, the technical intervention can be scheduled in advance, avoiding a breakdown that would have resulted in vehicle downtime, towing, and temporary replacement.

Investing in predictive maintenance is not just a technological choice, but a lever for improving operational efficiency. The return on investment is measured by: reduction of unplanned downtime; decrease in extraordinary repair costs; improvement in overall fleet reliability; and greater satisfaction for drivers and end customers. According to industry analysis, companies adopting predictive maintenance models can reduce downtime by up to 30% and maintenance costs by up to 20%.

Fleet managers, drivers, workshops, and client companies all benefit from a more efficient ecosystem, with vehicles always operational, more reliable planning, and fewer unforeseen events. But the advantage is also reputational: those who invest in predictive technologies demonstrate attention to sustainability, safety, and innovation.

Telematics has ushered in a new era in fleet management. It is not just about collecting data, but about transforming it into value.

In Italy, around 80% of all passenger journeys are still made using private vehicles, primarily cars. This figure reflects how dominant personal mobility remains — not only in terms of how people move, but also in how cities are designed, how public money is spent, and how individual routines are structured.

Personal vehicles absorb nearly 90% of household mobility spending. Roads, taxes, and habits all reinforce a system that, while offering freedom and convenience, carries significant social, environmental, and economic costs.

Yet change is underway. The concept of shared mobility is gaining traction — not just among industry experts, but across the public sphere. The Future Ways 2024 Report, published by the Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile and the Italian National Observatory on Sharing Mobility, presents a new framework to understand this transition. It clearly distinguishes between two mobility models: personal mobility, based on private vehicle use, and mobility-as-a-service, built on shared and public transport systems.

Shared mobility goes far beyond traditional public transport. It includes a diverse ecosystem: buses, trains, taxis, carsharing, micromobility, on-demand transport, and increasingly digital-first solutions. In this model, vehicles are not owned but accessed when needed. Users connect with services in real time, selecting the option that best suits their needs.

This is not about replacing the car with another single mode of transport. It’s about complementarity — creating an integrated system where each service plays a role. The goal is to empower people to choose the most efficient, affordable, and sustainable option based on time, distance, and context.

The Power of Digital Integration

Digitalisation plays a central role in this shift. MaaS platforms (Mobility as a Service) make it possible to plan, book, and pay for multimodal journeys in one place. Telematics and data analytics help forecast demand, optimise service coverage, and improve efficiency. Technologies like GPS, cloud computing, AI, and contactless payments are making this model more accessible than ever.

More importantly, digital tools are driving a cultural shift. Increasingly, especially in urban areas, people are moving from ownership to access, from driving to being transported, and from a personal mindset to a shared one. This reflects a broader change in priorities — towards sustainability, flexibility, and better use of time.

Shared mobility delivers measurable advantages. Shared vehicles produce lower emissions per passenger-kilometre than private cars. The fleets are newer and more electrified — over 26% of shared vehicles in Italy are electric, compared to just 0.5% of the private fleet. External costs such as air pollution, noise, accidents and congestion are also significantly reduced.

Socially, shared mobility helps fight transport poverty — the inability to travel due to financial or geographical barriers. In rural areas and small towns, where public transport is often limited, shared services can provide essential access to work, education, healthcare and social participation.

Despite its potential, shared mobility in Italy still faces major challenges. Service coverage is patchy and underdeveloped, especially outside large cities. Investment in public transport has remained stagnant for over a decade, and per-capita spending is lower than in countries like France and Spain.

The report calls for a “supply shock”: a decisive expansion of services, better infrastructure, and governance focused on integrating operators and local authorities. Without this shift, shared mobility will remain a niche rather than a norm.

Conclusion

Shared mobility is not a passing trend. It is a strategic lever for building more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient cities. The change has already begun — but real impact will depend on collective ambition, public investment, and political courage.

Offering real alternatives to private car use doesn’t reduce freedom — it multiplies options. It enables a vision of mobility that is smarter, fairer, and more resilient to the demands of our time.

Source: “Future Ways 2024 – Why Shared Mobility Matters”, Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile and Osservatorio Nazionale Sharing Mobility. This article presents a reworked and summarised version for educational and non-commercial purposes.