How long have you been a member of AAAM?
I submitted my first co-authorship in a paper at AAAM’s annual meeting in 2008, at the beginning of my academic career. However, I first attended the AAAM annual event in 2016.
What inspired you to join AAAM?
My colleagues and mentors in both Europe and Australia were part of AAAM – it was clear to me that I should follow in their footsteps.
What are your main areas of interest in the field of Automotive Medicine?
I have always explored new solutions for rider assistance systems for powered two-wheelers. I am also interested in estimating the potential benefits that such systems may produce on motorcyclist safety. Other topics of my work deal with motorcycle dynamics, active safety systems, crash simulations, rider behavior, motorcycle riding simulations, and emergency maneuvers.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
The nice part of my work is the hope that some of our ideas may inspire initiatives that will contribute to eradicating the road toll.
What challenges have you faced over the years and how have you overcome them?
In our field, only broad, multidisciplinary knowledge may allow us to face complex issues related to road trauma causation with the possibility to identify relevant countermeasures. We approach this challenge by developing a solid network of empathic colleagues with different backgrounds and expertise. The next challenge is the lifelong process of learning how to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I am fond of Italian popular music. Being quite shy, it may sound surprising to hear that I used to sing as an amateur front man in public gatherings with a multifaceted folk repertoire.
How do you think the field is changing and what trends do you see coming up on the horizon?
In the context of safety technologies, powered two-wheelers are not just big motorcycles used for leisure, but also light vehicles for personal mobility, the use of which is spreading. Also, it is important to consider the growth of electric bicycles, which are different from both pushbikes and mopeds. New traffic scenarios are growing in importance, and this has to be considered, especially in the perspective of a growing automated driving environment where the automotive systems need to be able to detect small tilting vehicles and interpret complex traffic circumstances.
What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?
I recommend getting aware asap that there is a passionate and multidisciplinary community around the world that is active in powered two-wheeler safety. Such a body of professionals may support young researchers to get the best out of their precious early careers. If you aim to succeed in this field, it is crucial to build an active network and work in teams.
What’s one thing – either field-related or not – you learned in the last month?
There are things that we take for granted, but the recent sorrowful facts in eastern Europe make me realize how lovely some simple things are. For example, it is priceless to get out of home early in the morning and walk hand in hand with your small kids while getting to school in a supportive, safe environment.
Is there anything else you would like to share with your colleagues?
If you want an update on one promising safety solution for motorcycles, watch this video of outreach from the PIONEERS project: https://youtu.be/c7MPErdamxA.
Giovanni is Chair of AAAM’s new Motorcyclists’ Safety Special Interest Group. Learn how you can get involved in this SIG or another AAAM committee.