Statement by President Mattarella to celebrate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Courtesy translation

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, released the following statement to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims:

«Road traffic victims are an unacceptable loss that unites in grief families, civil society, and Institutions.

Road safety is a priority, a goal to be achieved through tangible and immediate actions to tackle this persisting phenomenon that jeopardizes the safety of society.

The dramatic emergency raised by the large number of road traffic victims that continues to be recorded daily cannot turn into an attitude of resignation in the face of a phenomenon that, among other things, particularly affects children and youths under 17 years of age and the "Vulnerable Road Users".

Road safety is an inalienable priority linked to the right to life, health, and the freedom of movement: statutory rights that are constitutionally guaranteed and that can be infringed in a split second through reckless behaviours or fatal distractions entailing dramatic and permanent consequences.

Deserving of great attention are the instruments proposed by the European Union, starting with the "Strategic Framework" which invites member States to enhance, among other things, the safety of infrastructure, vehicles, and users with the aim of progressively reducing the number of road traffic victims and hopefully ultimately eliminating them altogether.

At the same time, it is essential to spread the culture of responsible driving among both younger generations and adults, thus increasing the level of awareness of the risks connected to our everyday driving.

To assure the safe circulation of vehicles and people is a complex but essential task that requires the commitment of all the players involved - public Authorities, manufacturers, and citizens - in developing a mobility model aimed at minimizing the risks ».