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IN SHORT
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As the school holidays approach, the French authorities are stepping up efforts to ensure the safety of road users. With a 2% increase in road mortality recently observed, gendarmes and volunteers are joining forces to raise drivers’ awareness of the dangers of driving. Prevention actions are being implemented throughout the country to remind the importance of good behaviors on the road, particularly wearing seat belts and avoiding alcohol while driving.
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The actions of gendarmes on the ground #
In many regions, the presence of gendarmes is strengthened, especially on the most heavily trafficked routes. The goal is to distribute safety tips and establish direct contact with motorists. According to Captain Delaitre, the action plan consists of “surrounding all incoming or outgoing routes to reach more populations and flows.” This system allows officers to stop drivers, raise awareness of risky behaviors, and provide them with information on road safety.
The role of engaged volunteers #
Alongside law enforcement, volunteers, often under the auspices of road safety associations, are actively involved in this awareness campaign. Equipped with educational tools and information brochures, they dedicate themselves to educating users about prevention measures. Their interventions particularly focus on risky behaviors, including the impact of fatigue and alcohol on driving. These actions are crucial, as they aim to instill a culture of caution on the road, encouraging drivers to adopt safe reflexes.
The impact of prevention campaigns #
The prevention campaigns conducted by the gendarmerie and volunteers do not only aim to inform but also seek to create a change in mentality among drivers. Through awareness stands placed at strategic points, discussions are organized to address various topics such as the importance of wearing a seat belt, the risks associated with using a phone while driving, and the necessity of respecting speed limits. These interactions are essential for transforming the perception of road safety into a collective issue.
Increased vigilance during the holidays #
With the increase in road traffic during the school holidays, vigilance must be at its peak. Long trips, often taken with family, increase the risk of accidents due to accumulated fatigue. Gendarmes and volunteers emphasize the necessity of taking regular breaks and not hesitating to stop to rest when necessary. They also remind that the seat belt is a fundamental element of passenger safety, and its systematic use should be obvious to every traveler.
