Today we celebrate the "National day in memory of road victims", dedicated to those who lost their lives on the road and their families. An important moment that requires a reflection on how important it is, on the road, to adopt conscious and correct conduct. Distraction, high speed, failure to respect the safety distance and road signs are just some of the many mistakes that are made when driving a car, scooter or bicycle. But even among pedestrians, risky behavior is not infrequent, very often dictated by distraction or more simply by haste.
The Traffic Police reminds everyone that you don't mess around on the road. Driving a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or "chatting" while driving or crossing the road is extremely dangerous for yourself and for those who cross your path.
Just think that just answering the cell phone makes you look away from the road for a variable time of a few seconds which, if you are driving a vehicle, can become fatal. Indeed, at a speed of 50 km/h, it only takes two seconds to travel about 30 meters and if in those 2 seconds your gaze is not directed towards the road, it is as if you were driving completely blindfolded. The danger further increases if you are traveling on the motorway where, at the maximum permitted speed, you travel 36 meters per second. Which means that 3 seconds of distraction are enough to travel 108 meters – practically the length of a football field – without looking at the road!
In Italy, as in other European countries, road safety is one of the major problems to be faced, above all in anticipation of the European objective of drastically reducing the number of victims by 2030, until it is completely zero by 2050.
For years, Italy has embarked on a complex process to deal with the phenomenon of accidents, with awareness campaigns and legality education initiatives involving above all young people. In fact, starting from primary schools, the State Police, through the articulations of the Road Traffic Police, intervene in schools with structured educational programs and adequate communication models, to make those who live on the street understand what behaviors to adopt to safeguard their own lives and others.
According to ISTAT data, in 2021, there were 151.875 road accidents in which 2.875 people lost their lives, while 204.728 were injured. Encouraging data if compared with 2001, the year in which 263.100 accidents occurred causing 7.096 victims and 373.286 injured. In the face of ever-increasing traffic volumes, therefore, accidents and above all deaths have almost halved (almost 58% fewer accidents and 40% fewer deaths). A sign that something is changing for the better; greater and widespread road safety education and respect for oneself and others are the driving forces behind a renewed culture of safety which, if adequately nurtured and supported, will certainly be able to minimize risks on the road.
In any case, the State Police is always at the side of the victims and their families thanks to operators who, suitably trained to deal with particularly painful situations such as road or railway accidents, help those who survived the accident or the family members of the deceased to recover control of one's life and/or to mourn.
Finally, on this day dedicated to all the victims of accidents, a special remembrance also goes to the members of the Police Forces who are on the road every day to do their duty and who unfortunately often pay a very high toll.