Chiel van Lent is a Public Affairs Advisor at the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club) and a member of the ADAS Core Team. As an advocate and mobility expert, he works daily on behalf of ANWB members to ensure the efficient and safe use of the existing road network and brings infrastructure issues to the attention of political decision-makers. He also closely monitors developments in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.
Innovations like driver assistance systems are changing not only vehicles but also the way we think about road safety and mobility policy. Van Lent is clear that this transition requires an active role and strong collaboration between various civil society organizations.
"As ANWB, we're at the heart of society," says Van Lent. "We represent over 5 million members who are on the road every day. That's precisely why we believe it's important not only to identify issues but also to actively contribute to solutions. Within the ADAS Alliance, we do this by sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and making the voice of road users heard."
According to Van Lent, the potential of ADAS is enormous, but far from being fully exploited. "Technology can contribute to increased road safety, but only if people know what their car can do and how to use the driver assistance systems safely. Research shows that there's still a world of opportunity. That's why we at ANWB are committed to clear information, practical tips, and accessible communication. Because only when the user is the central focus can we truly make progress."
Collaboration within the alliance is essential, he says. "Road safety is a shared responsibility. Government, industry, and civil society organizations—we need each other to fulfill the promise of smart mobility. The ANWB believes in this collaboration and is happy to actively contribute to it."
Looking to the future, Chiel sees plenty of opportunities. "ADAS isn't the end point, but an intermediate step toward a safer, smarter mobility system. As ANWB, we remain committed to a road-safe Netherlands, where technology and people reinforce each other."