The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA, Jamaica) as one of three Region III (North America) Champions of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026.

Announced at the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the JAA received the award for iDrive4Life, an innovative initiative designed to improve driver education and promote safer road use across Jamaica.

Delivered by the JAA and JN Foundation, iDrive4Life combines practical driver training, road safety education, simulator-based learning and behavioural change programmes to equip drivers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for safe and responsible road use.

The programme also provides access to high-quality training for young people, underserved communities and differently abled individuals, supporting greater mobility independence while helping improve licensing success rates and road safety outcomes.

Through strategic partnerships with schools, government agencies and businesses, iDrive4Life provides a scalable and sustainable model that delivers both social and economic benefits, while helping build a stronger culture of road safety in Jamaica.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA said, “Congratulations to President Hon. Earl Jarrett and the Jamaica Automobile Association on being named a Region III Champion in this year’s FIA Innovation Challenge.”

“iDrive4Life demonstrates how Member Clubs can play a leading role in improving road safety by equipping drivers with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to make responsible decisions behind the wheel,” he added.

Tim Shearman, Deputy President for Automobile Mobility and Tourism, said: “When meeting current and future mobility challenges, our Member Clubs are our greatest assets, enabling us to support road users with genuine local understanding. 

“The JAA is demonstrating how innovative driver education, strong partnerships and a commitment to inclusion can improve safety outcomes while expanding access to mobility for communities across Jamaica.”

Frank Fotia, FIA Region III President, said: “Member Clubs across Region III are constantly exploring new approaches to improving road safety, recognising that effective driver education is fundamental to lasting change.

“Through iDrive4Life, the JAA has developed a forward-looking programme that combines technology, training and behavioural change to help create safer drivers and safer roads for everyone.”

The Hon. Earl Jarrett, President of the JAA said: “Driver education plays a critical role in improving road safety outcomes, particularly for young and inexperienced drivers who are developing the skills and behaviours that will stay with them throughout their lives.

“Through iDrive4Life, we are combining practical training with the latest digital learning tools to create safer, more responsible road users, while expanding mobility access for communities across Jamaica.”

The JAA joins the Alberta Motor Association (AMA, Canada) and the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA, USA), which have also been named Region III Champions of the FIA Innovation Challenge 2026.

A global judging panel will now select one Global Winner from these three champions, who will receive their award at FIA General Assemblies week in Shanghai, China, in December.

Now in its third year, the FIA Innovation Challenge has seen Member Clubs throughout Region III continue to demonstrate leadership and innovation in delivering safer, more sustainable and more affordable mobility solutions.