Initiative details
The programme of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace was designed to address a wide range of systemic and behavioral challenges identified at both the local and national levels. The main challenges addressed are the following:
Lack of Experiential Education and Dangerous Youth Behaviors: Traditional road safety education was often limited to strictly theoretical approaches. At the same time, a high tolerance for dangerous behaviors was recorded among young people, such as the non-use of seatbelts in rear seats, riding without a helmet, driving under the influence of alcohol or fatigue, and using a mobile phone while driving. We addressed this challenge by introducing permanent simulation equipment (intoxication simulation glasses, crash simulators) to achieve a practical, experiential change in the students' mindset.
Protection of Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs): The safe integration of pedestrians, young children, cyclists, and the elderly into the urban environment remains a constant challenge. This problem was tackled through micro-mobility education, the organization of traffic education parks for the issuance of a "Bicycle Driving License", as well as targeted actions tailored for the elderly.
Professional and Freight Transport Safety: The operation of heavy vehicles (trucks and buses) entails significant risks related to driver fatigue, cargo securing, and compliance with driving hours. This challenge was addressed by publishing specialized manuals for professional drivers and providing continuous training to the "Roadside Inspection Teams".
Ignorance of the Highway Code and Anti-social Driving: Phenomena such as illegal parking on disability (ADA) ramps and pedestrian crossings, along with an ignorance of new legal provisions, severely degrade road safety. This problem was approached through direct on-street actions, including the distribution of "warning tickets" and informational material to citizens.
Lack of Digital Data for Decision-Making: The absence of a centralized digital recording system for dangerous incidents, accidents, and road defects hinders targeted planning. This challenge is being addressed through the adoption of the "Pythios" system, which is capable of recording, mapping (via heatmaps), and analyzing data in order to guide and prioritize administrative interventions.
Geographical and Local Constraints: The lack of access to traffic education activities for remote areas constitutes a major inequality issue. The Region addressed this by organizing activities in remote schools in the Prefecture of Drama, in mountainous areas of the Prefecture of Xanthi, as well as conducting special educational interventions in island areas, such as Samothrace.
Lack of Experiential Education and Dangerous Youth Behaviors: Traditional road safety education was often limited to strictly theoretical approaches. At the same time, a high tolerance for dangerous behaviors was recorded among young people, such as the non-use of seatbelts in rear seats, riding without a helmet, driving under the influence of alcohol or fatigue, and using a mobile phone while driving. We addressed this challenge by introducing permanent simulation equipment (intoxication simulation glasses, crash simulators) to achieve a practical, experiential change in the students' mindset.
Protection of Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs): The safe integration of pedestrians, young children, cyclists, and the elderly into the urban environment remains a constant challenge. This problem was tackled through micro-mobility education, the organization of traffic education parks for the issuance of a "Bicycle Driving License", as well as targeted actions tailored for the elderly.
Professional and Freight Transport Safety: The operation of heavy vehicles (trucks and buses) entails significant risks related to driver fatigue, cargo securing, and compliance with driving hours. This challenge was addressed by publishing specialized manuals for professional drivers and providing continuous training to the "Roadside Inspection Teams".
Ignorance of the Highway Code and Anti-social Driving: Phenomena such as illegal parking on disability (ADA) ramps and pedestrian crossings, along with an ignorance of new legal provisions, severely degrade road safety. This problem was approached through direct on-street actions, including the distribution of "warning tickets" and informational material to citizens.
Lack of Digital Data for Decision-Making: The absence of a centralized digital recording system for dangerous incidents, accidents, and road defects hinders targeted planning. This challenge is being addressed through the adoption of the "Pythios" system, which is capable of recording, mapping (via heatmaps), and analyzing data in order to guide and prioritize administrative interventions.
Geographical and Local Constraints: The lack of access to traffic education activities for remote areas constitutes a major inequality issue. The Region addressed this by organizing activities in remote schools in the Prefecture of Drama, in mountainous areas of the Prefecture of Xanthi, as well as conducting special educational interventions in island areas, such as Samothrace.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Policy makers
Public authorities
Children 0-16
Young adults 17-25
Adults
Parents
Seniors
Company employees
Fleet operators
Car drivers
Car drivers – professional
Educational staff
Emergency services
Public transport
Van drivers
Lorry/truck drivers
Cyclists
Micromobility riders
Powered two wheeler riders (excluding micromobility)
Pedestrians
Others
Topic
Create awareness
Education in school or in community organizations
Training
Organisation details
Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH)
Local Public authority
Greece
Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH)
Contact name
Delidis Pantelis
Telephone number
2531353901
gemetaforon@pamth.gov.gr
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
Networking and collaboration were the cornerstones of our project's success. The implementation of this multi-level programme relied on the strong synergy between the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and a broad network of external partners. The most important partners and their roles were as follows:
Road Safety Institute (RSI) "Panos Mylonas": It served as the main educational partner for the implementation of the specialized traffic education programme "Do it Right" in secondary schools. RSI undertook the theoretical training and the evaluation of the learning outcomes.
Hellenic Police (Traffic Police Departments): Participated decisively in all the Region's actions. Its role included safe traffic regulation during outdoor activities, familiarizing children with police vehicles, informing citizens about the new Highway Code, as well as conducting on-site checks within the "Roadside Inspection Teams" for heavy vehicles.
Fire Service, National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB) & Hellenic Rescue Team: They participated in the design and execution of live preparedness exercises, such as fire simulation and emergency management scenarios on buses, training the participants in crisis management.
Hellenic Red Cross (Regional Departments e.g., Alexandroupolis, Drama): Undertook the essential training of students and citizens in providing First Aid, through special interactive stations during the Road Safety Weeks.
Association of Driving and Traffic Education Instructors of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: Provided critical volunteer support by offering dozens of professional instructors (e.g., 17 instructors in the Regional Unit of Evros), who guided the children in the traffic education parks and instructed them on safe bicycle handling.
Educational Community (Regional Directorates of Education & Schools): Facilitated the integration of the activities into the school curriculum, mobilized the students, and co-organized experiential games (such as the treasure hunt by the Model Vocational High School of Alexandroupolis).
Motorcyclist and Cyclist Associations (e.g., "Oi Agrianes", "O Pigasos"): Volunteered to support the cycling events and exhibitions (such as Alexpo), experientially conveying the message of proper helmet use, solidarity, and safe coexistence on the road.
Public Transport Operators (Urban and Intercity KTEL Buses): Actively participated as partners in the events of the European Mobility Week 2025, promoting Public Transport as the most sustainable and safe mode of transportation.
Road Safety Institute (RSI) "Panos Mylonas": It served as the main educational partner for the implementation of the specialized traffic education programme "Do it Right" in secondary schools. RSI undertook the theoretical training and the evaluation of the learning outcomes.
Hellenic Police (Traffic Police Departments): Participated decisively in all the Region's actions. Its role included safe traffic regulation during outdoor activities, familiarizing children with police vehicles, informing citizens about the new Highway Code, as well as conducting on-site checks within the "Roadside Inspection Teams" for heavy vehicles.
Fire Service, National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB) & Hellenic Rescue Team: They participated in the design and execution of live preparedness exercises, such as fire simulation and emergency management scenarios on buses, training the participants in crisis management.
Hellenic Red Cross (Regional Departments e.g., Alexandroupolis, Drama): Undertook the essential training of students and citizens in providing First Aid, through special interactive stations during the Road Safety Weeks.
Association of Driving and Traffic Education Instructors of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: Provided critical volunteer support by offering dozens of professional instructors (e.g., 17 instructors in the Regional Unit of Evros), who guided the children in the traffic education parks and instructed them on safe bicycle handling.
Educational Community (Regional Directorates of Education & Schools): Facilitated the integration of the activities into the school curriculum, mobilized the students, and co-organized experiential games (such as the treasure hunt by the Model Vocational High School of Alexandroupolis).
Motorcyclist and Cyclist Associations (e.g., "Oi Agrianes", "O Pigasos"): Volunteered to support the cycling events and exhibitions (such as Alexpo), experientially conveying the message of proper helmet use, solidarity, and safe coexistence on the road.
Public Transport Operators (Urban and Intercity KTEL Buses): Actively participated as partners in the events of the European Mobility Week 2025, promoting Public Transport as the most sustainable and safe mode of transportation.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
The project of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH) constitutes an extensive and multi-level Road Safety programme, which is being implemented gradually from 2024 through 2026. As evidenced by the relevant visual material, the actions were not limited to theoretical lectures but focused on intensive experiential learning, practical training, and the active involvement of all age and social groups.
In detail, the main activities implemented include:
1. Experiential Education & Risk Simulations for Youth
a. Use of special intoxication and fatigue simulation goggles by secondary school students (e.g., in indoor gymnasiums/event halls), where they were asked to walk among cones, experiencing firsthand the loss of reflexes and spatial awareness.
b. Practical demonstration of the consequences of a collision using a specialized crash simulator with a dummy, under the guidance of expert instructors.
2. Preparedness and Emergency Management Exercises
Execution of impressive simulation scenarios involving vehicle (van/bus) fire suppression. During these actions, students witnessed in real-time the flawless cooperation between the Fire Service, Hellenic Red Cross Rescuers, and the Hellenic Police, receiving practical training on the proper way to react in the event of an accident.
3. Micro-mobility and Bicycle Training, and Familiarization with the Traffic Police
a. Organization of traffic education parks, where young students were trained in the safe use of bicycles. At the end of the training, the children received a symbolic "Bicycle Driving License" and high-visibility safety vests.
b. Familiarization activities for children with the Traffic Police, where they examined police motorcycles and conversed with police officers, building a relationship of trust and respect towards the Highway Code.
4. Intergenerational Awareness and Inclusion (From Children to the Elderly)
a. Third Age: Special informational sessions at the Open Care Centers for the Elderly (KAPI), focusing on the safe mobility of the elderly as pedestrians and drivers, thus demonstrating the inclusive nature of the project.
b. Sports and Youth: Linking road safety with sports (e.g., a Basketball Tournament), where awareness sessions were held at sports courts and protective safety helmets were distributed to participants (both children and parents).
5. Specialized Training for Professionals
Organization of professional seminars and two-day conferences (e.g., "Legality of Heavy Vehicle Traffic"), aimed at training inspection authorities and professional drivers on the safety of freight transport.
6. Large-scale Awareness Campaigns
Organization of "Road Safety Weeks" across various Regional Units (e.g., Xanthi, Evros, Drama) featuring the central message "They are waiting for you... Make sure you arrive!", which included the distribution of printed materials, posters, and the integration of digital media (QR codes).
In detail, the main activities implemented include:
1. Experiential Education & Risk Simulations for Youth
a. Use of special intoxication and fatigue simulation goggles by secondary school students (e.g., in indoor gymnasiums/event halls), where they were asked to walk among cones, experiencing firsthand the loss of reflexes and spatial awareness.
b. Practical demonstration of the consequences of a collision using a specialized crash simulator with a dummy, under the guidance of expert instructors.
2. Preparedness and Emergency Management Exercises
Execution of impressive simulation scenarios involving vehicle (van/bus) fire suppression. During these actions, students witnessed in real-time the flawless cooperation between the Fire Service, Hellenic Red Cross Rescuers, and the Hellenic Police, receiving practical training on the proper way to react in the event of an accident.
3. Micro-mobility and Bicycle Training, and Familiarization with the Traffic Police
a. Organization of traffic education parks, where young students were trained in the safe use of bicycles. At the end of the training, the children received a symbolic "Bicycle Driving License" and high-visibility safety vests.
b. Familiarization activities for children with the Traffic Police, where they examined police motorcycles and conversed with police officers, building a relationship of trust and respect towards the Highway Code.
4. Intergenerational Awareness and Inclusion (From Children to the Elderly)
a. Third Age: Special informational sessions at the Open Care Centers for the Elderly (KAPI), focusing on the safe mobility of the elderly as pedestrians and drivers, thus demonstrating the inclusive nature of the project.
b. Sports and Youth: Linking road safety with sports (e.g., a Basketball Tournament), where awareness sessions were held at sports courts and protective safety helmets were distributed to participants (both children and parents).
5. Specialized Training for Professionals
Organization of professional seminars and two-day conferences (e.g., "Legality of Heavy Vehicle Traffic"), aimed at training inspection authorities and professional drivers on the safety of freight transport.
6. Large-scale Awareness Campaigns
Organization of "Road Safety Weeks" across various Regional Units (e.g., Xanthi, Evros, Drama) featuring the central message "They are waiting for you... Make sure you arrive!", which included the distribution of printed materials, posters, and the integration of digital media (QR codes).
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
Among the positive factors that contributed to the success of the initiative are the following:
1. Experiential and Interactive Learning: Moving away from traditional "sterile" theory was the greatest success. The use of experiential equipment (crash simulators, intoxication/fatigue simulation goggles) thrilled the participants. Notably, 95% of the teachers evaluated the practical part of the training as excellent.
2. Unprecedented Synergies and Collaborations: The mobilization and cooperation of a vast network of local entities functioned flawlessly. In all actions, there was absolute coordination among the Region, the Traffic Police, the Fire Service, the National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB), the Hellenic Red Cross, motorcyclist associations (e.g., "Oi Agrianes"), and local volunteers.
3. Massive Participation and Acceptance: The response from the public and the schools exceeded all expectations. For example, 3,175 secondary school students participated in the Regional Unit of Drama alone, while more than 2,000 primary school students participated in the Regional Unit of Evros.
4. Geographical Outreach and Accessibility: The decision not to limit the actions to large urban centers, but to expand them to remote areas and islands, such as the successful educational action in Samothrace, worked exceptionally well.
However, there were also challenges that needed to be overcome:
1. Need for Permanent, State-owned Equipment: An initial challenge was the dependence on external partners for the provision of specialized simulation equipment. The Region overcame this obstacle by investing 35,000 euros to procure its own state-of-the-art Road Safety equipment. This enabled all six (6) Transport Directorates of the REMTH to independently organize "Road Safety Weeks" within their areas of responsibility.
2. Coordination of Realistic Emergency Scenarios: Executing live, realistic exercises (e.g., bus fire and extrication simulation) posed a significant logistical challenge, as it required the simultaneous presence and precise synchronization of multiple Security Forces and Civil Protection services in public spaces. This was addressed through rigorous planning and a detailed allocation of roles.
3. Managing a Large Volume of Students during Practical Training: The evaluation from teachers indicated an increased demand for expanding the experiential part with practical exercises on actual bicycles. Safely managing thousands of children in outdoor traffic education parks was a challenge. This was overcome by mobilizing dozens of volunteers (such as the 56 volunteers in Alexandroupolis) and involving 17 professional driving instructors, ensuring absolute safety during the activities.
1. Experiential and Interactive Learning: Moving away from traditional "sterile" theory was the greatest success. The use of experiential equipment (crash simulators, intoxication/fatigue simulation goggles) thrilled the participants. Notably, 95% of the teachers evaluated the practical part of the training as excellent.
2. Unprecedented Synergies and Collaborations: The mobilization and cooperation of a vast network of local entities functioned flawlessly. In all actions, there was absolute coordination among the Region, the Traffic Police, the Fire Service, the National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB), the Hellenic Red Cross, motorcyclist associations (e.g., "Oi Agrianes"), and local volunteers.
3. Massive Participation and Acceptance: The response from the public and the schools exceeded all expectations. For example, 3,175 secondary school students participated in the Regional Unit of Drama alone, while more than 2,000 primary school students participated in the Regional Unit of Evros.
4. Geographical Outreach and Accessibility: The decision not to limit the actions to large urban centers, but to expand them to remote areas and islands, such as the successful educational action in Samothrace, worked exceptionally well.
However, there were also challenges that needed to be overcome:
1. Need for Permanent, State-owned Equipment: An initial challenge was the dependence on external partners for the provision of specialized simulation equipment. The Region overcame this obstacle by investing 35,000 euros to procure its own state-of-the-art Road Safety equipment. This enabled all six (6) Transport Directorates of the REMTH to independently organize "Road Safety Weeks" within their areas of responsibility.
2. Coordination of Realistic Emergency Scenarios: Executing live, realistic exercises (e.g., bus fire and extrication simulation) posed a significant logistical challenge, as it required the simultaneous presence and precise synchronization of multiple Security Forces and Civil Protection services in public spaces. This was addressed through rigorous planning and a detailed allocation of roles.
3. Managing a Large Volume of Students during Practical Training: The evaluation from teachers indicated an increased demand for expanding the experiential part with practical exercises on actual bicycles. Safely managing thousands of children in outdoor traffic education parks was a challenge. This was overcome by mobilizing dozens of volunteers (such as the 56 volunteers in Alexandroupolis) and involving 17 professional driving instructors, ensuring absolute safety during the activities.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
The evaluation of the impact of the actions carried out by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH) was conducted through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, ensuring the accurate measurement of mindset changes and public participation.
The main evaluation methods include:
1. Surveys & Feedback Forms:
a. Evaluation questionnaires were distributed to students and teachers who participated in the "Do it Right" educational programme.
b. Through these, an impressive shift in students' attitudes before and after the training was measured (e.g., the percentage of those who strongly disagree with not using a seatbelt in the rear seat increased from 27% to 69%).
c. Furthermore, 91.5% of the teachers evaluated the action as "Extremely Satisfactory" through specific feedback forms.
d. Knowledge and attitude questionnaires were also completed by citizens during the "Alexpo 2025" exhibition, as well as during the awareness campaign for the new Highway Code.
2. Quantitative Statistics:
a. There was a strict recording of participants in every action.
b. The recorded participation included 941 students in the Regional Unit of Xanthi, more than 2,000 students from 26 schools in the Regional Unit of Evros, 3,175 students across 28 schools in the Regional Unit of Drama, as well as 260 citizens in the Alexandroupolis cycling event.
3. Data Analysis via the "Pythios" Information System:
a. The digital system has the capability for continuous evaluation of the road network's condition by extracting incident statistics.
b. It can generate data such as the monthly variation in accidents, the distribution of incidents by day/time, and geographical heatmaps.
4. Social Media & Media Reach:
a. Many of the central events (e.g., the European Mobility Week conferences and the heavy vehicle inspection seminars) were broadcast live via the Region's official YouTube channel.
b. The reach was recorded digitally, with the two-day conference for the Roadside Inspection Teams immediately gathering 718 views.
c. At the same time, actions in areas such as Drama secured broad television coverage, thereby enhancing the social footprint of the project.
The main evaluation methods include:
1. Surveys & Feedback Forms:
a. Evaluation questionnaires were distributed to students and teachers who participated in the "Do it Right" educational programme.
b. Through these, an impressive shift in students' attitudes before and after the training was measured (e.g., the percentage of those who strongly disagree with not using a seatbelt in the rear seat increased from 27% to 69%).
c. Furthermore, 91.5% of the teachers evaluated the action as "Extremely Satisfactory" through specific feedback forms.
d. Knowledge and attitude questionnaires were also completed by citizens during the "Alexpo 2025" exhibition, as well as during the awareness campaign for the new Highway Code.
2. Quantitative Statistics:
a. There was a strict recording of participants in every action.
b. The recorded participation included 941 students in the Regional Unit of Xanthi, more than 2,000 students from 26 schools in the Regional Unit of Evros, 3,175 students across 28 schools in the Regional Unit of Drama, as well as 260 citizens in the Alexandroupolis cycling event.
3. Data Analysis via the "Pythios" Information System:
a. The digital system has the capability for continuous evaluation of the road network's condition by extracting incident statistics.
b. It can generate data such as the monthly variation in accidents, the distribution of incidents by day/time, and geographical heatmaps.
4. Social Media & Media Reach:
a. Many of the central events (e.g., the European Mobility Week conferences and the heavy vehicle inspection seminars) were broadcast live via the Region's official YouTube channel.
b. The reach was recorded digitally, with the two-day conference for the Roadside Inspection Teams immediately gathering 718 views.
c. At the same time, actions in areas such as Drama secured broad television coverage, thereby enhancing the social footprint of the project.
What has been the effect of the activities?
Key Quantitative Impact & Student Outreach (2024-2026)
To date, the multi-level Road Safety programme of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has achieved an outstanding institutional scale and public response. The overall student outreach and participation per year is detailed below:
Year 2024: 7,700 students visited and educated.
Year 2025: 16,258 students visited and educated.
Year 2026 (To date): 20,000 students visited and educated.
Furthermore, during the highly successful "Road Safety Week" campaigns, active student participation reached:
Year 2025: 4,400 students participated.
Year 2026: 5,000 students participated.
Overall Strategic Goal: Through the comprehensive execution of all our road safety initiatives, our ultimate strategic target is to reach and actively educate a total of 60,000 students within the three-year period of 2024–2026.
The impact of the actions carried out by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has been immediate and multi-dimensional, bringing about substantial changes in the citizens' mindset, as well as in the institutional capacity of the Region itself.
The main results are summarized as follows:
1. Measurable Change in Mindset and Attitudes among Youth
a. Through the evaluation of the "Do it Right" programme, an impressive shift in students' attitudes towards dangerous behaviors was demonstrated.
b. Prior to the training, 27% of the students expressed a relative acceptance of not wearing a seatbelt in the rear seats. Following the training, 69% stated that they completely disagree with this practice.
c. Similarly, the percentage of students who completely disagree with using a mobile phone while driving increased to 56%.
d. 81% of the students now stated absolute disagreement with riding without a helmet on long journeys.
e. 70% completely disagreed with getting into a vehicle driven by a friend who has consumed alcohol.
f. Overall, 74% of the students stated that the training helped them understand the importance of road safety, and 73% reported becoming more conscious road users.
2. Cultivating a Culture of Safe Mobility from a Young Age
a. Thousands of primary school students (e.g., over 2,000 in the Regional Unit of Evros and 1,150 in the Regional Unit of Drama) acquired practical skills in safe bicycle use, micro-mobility, and first aid.
b. By obtaining the "Bicycle Driving License" and receiving high-visibility vests, children were transformed into active road safety ambassadors within their own families.
3. Enhancing Professional Competence and Inspections
a. The training of officials and professionals (inspection authorities, customs, Security Forces) for the "Roadside Inspection Teams" immediately improved the capacity to enforce legislation and ensure legality in freight transport and the transport of dangerous goods.
b. The distribution of the "Guide for the Driver – Volume B" manual provided practical guidance to professional heavy vehicle drivers, directly impacting their daily practices.
4. Institutional Strengthening and Data-Driven Decision Making
a. By acquiring its own state-of-the-art experiential training equipment, the Region became autonomous and now possesses the permanent capacity to continuously organize educational activities.
b. The full operation of the "Pythios" information system transformed the way the road network is managed. The administration now has dynamic heatmaps and statistical tools at its disposal to immediately identify dangerous spots (e.g., damaged pavement, frequent accidents) and perform targeted interventions.
To date, the multi-level Road Safety programme of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has achieved an outstanding institutional scale and public response. The overall student outreach and participation per year is detailed below:
Year 2024: 7,700 students visited and educated.
Year 2025: 16,258 students visited and educated.
Year 2026 (To date): 20,000 students visited and educated.
Furthermore, during the highly successful "Road Safety Week" campaigns, active student participation reached:
Year 2025: 4,400 students participated.
Year 2026: 5,000 students participated.
Overall Strategic Goal: Through the comprehensive execution of all our road safety initiatives, our ultimate strategic target is to reach and actively educate a total of 60,000 students within the three-year period of 2024–2026.
The impact of the actions carried out by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has been immediate and multi-dimensional, bringing about substantial changes in the citizens' mindset, as well as in the institutional capacity of the Region itself.
The main results are summarized as follows:
1. Measurable Change in Mindset and Attitudes among Youth
a. Through the evaluation of the "Do it Right" programme, an impressive shift in students' attitudes towards dangerous behaviors was demonstrated.
b. Prior to the training, 27% of the students expressed a relative acceptance of not wearing a seatbelt in the rear seats. Following the training, 69% stated that they completely disagree with this practice.
c. Similarly, the percentage of students who completely disagree with using a mobile phone while driving increased to 56%.
d. 81% of the students now stated absolute disagreement with riding without a helmet on long journeys.
e. 70% completely disagreed with getting into a vehicle driven by a friend who has consumed alcohol.
f. Overall, 74% of the students stated that the training helped them understand the importance of road safety, and 73% reported becoming more conscious road users.
2. Cultivating a Culture of Safe Mobility from a Young Age
a. Thousands of primary school students (e.g., over 2,000 in the Regional Unit of Evros and 1,150 in the Regional Unit of Drama) acquired practical skills in safe bicycle use, micro-mobility, and first aid.
b. By obtaining the "Bicycle Driving License" and receiving high-visibility vests, children were transformed into active road safety ambassadors within their own families.
3. Enhancing Professional Competence and Inspections
a. The training of officials and professionals (inspection authorities, customs, Security Forces) for the "Roadside Inspection Teams" immediately improved the capacity to enforce legislation and ensure legality in freight transport and the transport of dangerous goods.
b. The distribution of the "Guide for the Driver – Volume B" manual provided practical guidance to professional heavy vehicle drivers, directly impacting their daily practices.
4. Institutional Strengthening and Data-Driven Decision Making
a. By acquiring its own state-of-the-art experiential training equipment, the Region became autonomous and now possesses the permanent capacity to continuously organize educational activities.
b. The full operation of the "Pythios" information system transformed the way the road network is managed. The administration now has dynamic heatmaps and statistical tools at its disposal to immediately identify dangerous spots (e.g., damaged pavement, frequent accidents) and perform targeted interventions.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
The initiative of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace serves as a best practice model for road safety, as it moves away from traditional, fragmented campaigns and adopts a strategic, sustainable, and measurable model. Specifically, it stands out for the following reasons:
1. Holistic and Multi-level Approach: The initiative combines education, awareness, supervision, and infrastructure management. It does not focus solely on a single group, but provides specialized material, such as the "Guide for the Driver" manuals, which are distinctively separated for passenger car and motorcycle drivers, as well as for professional truck and bus drivers.
2. Experiential Learning with Measurable Results: The replacement of "sterile" theoretical teaching with practical training using innovative equipment (crash simulators, intoxication and substance simulation goggles) creates a stronger, experiential footprint. The effectiveness of this approach is proven, as a radical shift in students' attitudes towards dangerous behaviors (e.g., non-use of seatbelts and helmets) was recorded upon completion of the training.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: The operation of the "Pythios" information system represents an innovation for Local Government, as it allows for the accurate recording and analysis of road incidents, accidents, and pavement defects. The generation of geographical heatmaps and statistical reports ensures that future interventions in the road network will target real problems.
4. Sustainability and Autonomy: The Region's decision to invest 35,000 euros in purchasing permanent, state-owned experiential training equipment ensures the long-term sustainability of the project. This grants all local Transport Directorates the capability to continuously and autonomously repeat the actions and the "Road Safety Weeks" within their area of responsibility, without the need for external equipment rental.
5. Inclusivity and Strong Social Synergies: The programme is fully accessible, reaching from large urban centers to remote island areas, such as Samothrace. It embraces all age groups (intergenerational fairness) and social classes, while simultaneously achieving the absolute rallying of competent authorities (Traffic Police, Fire Service, National Center for Emergency Assistance - EKAB, Hellenic Red Cross) and hundreds of volunteers into a common, coordinated front for the protection of human life.
1. Holistic and Multi-level Approach: The initiative combines education, awareness, supervision, and infrastructure management. It does not focus solely on a single group, but provides specialized material, such as the "Guide for the Driver" manuals, which are distinctively separated for passenger car and motorcycle drivers, as well as for professional truck and bus drivers.
2. Experiential Learning with Measurable Results: The replacement of "sterile" theoretical teaching with practical training using innovative equipment (crash simulators, intoxication and substance simulation goggles) creates a stronger, experiential footprint. The effectiveness of this approach is proven, as a radical shift in students' attitudes towards dangerous behaviors (e.g., non-use of seatbelts and helmets) was recorded upon completion of the training.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: The operation of the "Pythios" information system represents an innovation for Local Government, as it allows for the accurate recording and analysis of road incidents, accidents, and pavement defects. The generation of geographical heatmaps and statistical reports ensures that future interventions in the road network will target real problems.
4. Sustainability and Autonomy: The Region's decision to invest 35,000 euros in purchasing permanent, state-owned experiential training equipment ensures the long-term sustainability of the project. This grants all local Transport Directorates the capability to continuously and autonomously repeat the actions and the "Road Safety Weeks" within their area of responsibility, without the need for external equipment rental.
5. Inclusivity and Strong Social Synergies: The programme is fully accessible, reaching from large urban centers to remote island areas, such as Samothrace. It embraces all age groups (intergenerational fairness) and social classes, while simultaneously achieving the absolute rallying of competent authorities (Traffic Police, Fire Service, National Center for Emergency Assistance - EKAB, Hellenic Red Cross) and hundreds of volunteers into a common, coordinated front for the protection of human life.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
The dissemination of information, actions, and results of the project was achieved through a multi-channel communication strategy, which ensured maximum visibility at the local, regional, and national levels. The main dissemination methods include:
1. Digital Media & Live Streaming: Central events, such as the open event for the European Mobility Week 2025 and the two-day conference for the Roadside Inspection Teams, were broadcast live via the official YouTube channel of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The audiovisual material remains available recorded for asynchronous viewing, a prime example being the vehicle inspection conference which immediately gathered 718 views.
2. Printed Materials & Manuals: The specialized manual "Guide for the Driver" was published and distributed free of charge, divided into Volume A for passenger cars and motorcycles, and Volume B for professional truck and bus drivers. During public actions, such as the awareness event outside the Alexandroupolis Courthouse, informational leaflets detailing the changes to the new Highway Code were distributed. Targeted posters were created and displayed (e.g., featuring the message "They are waiting for you... Make sure you arrive!"), which incorporated QR codes to provide citizens with direct digital access to additional information.
3. Mass Media & Press Releases: For each individual action (e.g., actions in Evros, Samothrace, Drama, and participation in exhibitions), detailed Press Releases were drafted and published for local and regional media outlets. The educational actions and walking tours in the Regional Unit of Drama received broad television coverage and publicity, thereby strengthening the social footprint and extroversion of the Region.
4. Public Engagement & Exhibitions: The Region participated with its own booth in the "Alexpo 2025" trade fair, coming into direct contact with visitors of all ages through questionnaires and experiential activities. The dissemination of messages also took place directly "on the street" through interactive actions, such as placing symbolic "warning tickets" on illegally parked vehicles.
1. Digital Media & Live Streaming: Central events, such as the open event for the European Mobility Week 2025 and the two-day conference for the Roadside Inspection Teams, were broadcast live via the official YouTube channel of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. The audiovisual material remains available recorded for asynchronous viewing, a prime example being the vehicle inspection conference which immediately gathered 718 views.
2. Printed Materials & Manuals: The specialized manual "Guide for the Driver" was published and distributed free of charge, divided into Volume A for passenger cars and motorcycles, and Volume B for professional truck and bus drivers. During public actions, such as the awareness event outside the Alexandroupolis Courthouse, informational leaflets detailing the changes to the new Highway Code were distributed. Targeted posters were created and displayed (e.g., featuring the message "They are waiting for you... Make sure you arrive!"), which incorporated QR codes to provide citizens with direct digital access to additional information.
3. Mass Media & Press Releases: For each individual action (e.g., actions in Evros, Samothrace, Drama, and participation in exhibitions), detailed Press Releases were drafted and published for local and regional media outlets. The educational actions and walking tours in the Regional Unit of Drama received broad television coverage and publicity, thereby strengthening the social footprint and extroversion of the Region.
4. Public Engagement & Exhibitions: The Region participated with its own booth in the "Alexpo 2025" trade fair, coming into direct contact with visitors of all ages through questionnaires and experiential activities. The dissemination of messages also took place directly "on the street" through interactive actions, such as placing symbolic "warning tickets" on illegally parked vehicles.
Supporting materials
