Parents

Volunteer Initiative Promoting Road Safety During Easter Travel

The volunteer team of EFTHIT.A. Rhodes - Road Safety Observatory, continuing its annual Easter initiative, prepared handmade Easter candles and distributed them free of charge to drivers on Holy Thursday in Rhodes. 

Through this symbolic action, we shared an important message: “Happy Easter to all. Drive responsibly, respect human life, and let us all work together for safe journeys with zero fatal road crashes.”

Along with the candles, we distributed:

• a leaflet with tips for safe travel

• an information leaflet on the new Road Traffic Code

Road Safety Education Initiative Reaches 2,116 Students in Rhodes and the Dodecanese

The educational team of EFTHITA – Road Safety Observatory of Rhodes continued its dynamic outreach during the period January – February – March 2026, carrying out awareness visits to schools across Rhodes and the Dodecanese.

Within the framework of the approved educational program “Travel Safely – Cycle Safely”, a total of 2,116 students and 180 teachers participated.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Impact of social media on road safety behaviour
Social media is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of young people and young adults in Belgium. The rise of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube has led to a new dynamic in the dissemination of information and opinions. This study stems from the concern that social media can normalise and even glorify not only positive but also risky behaviour in traffic. The main objective of this study was to map the prevalence, nature and impact of such content and thus contribute to a better understanding of the role of social media in road safety.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Young Drivers - Road Safety Measures in Practice
The initiative addresses the disproportionately high risk of road accidents among young and novice drivers (18–24 years old), a vulnerable category in road traffic safety.

The main challenges identified include:

1. Distracted Driving
The widespread use of mobile phones while driving (texting, browsing, social media use) significantly increases crash risk. Young drivers are particularly exposed to digital distractions, which impair reaction time, attention, and hazard perception.

2. Peer Influence and Risk-Taking Behaviour
The presence of same-age passengers has been shown to increase the likelihood of risky driving behaviours, including speeding, aggressive manoeuvres, and reduced compliance with traffic rules.

3. Night-Time Driving Risks
Young drivers are overrepresented in night-time collisions due to reduced visibility, fatigue, and increased likelihood of high-risk behaviour during late hours.

4. Limited Experience and Hazard Perception Skills
Novice drivers lack practical experience in managing complex traffic situations, increasing their vulnerability in high-risk environments.

5. Insufficient Parental Engagement After Licensing
While parents play a key role during the learning phase, structured guidance and clearly defined roles for continued supervision during the first independent driving years are often lacking.

6. Gap Between Awareness and Behavioural Change
Although young drivers are generally aware of traffic rules, this awareness does not always translate into safe behaviour. There is a need for evidence-based tools that transform knowledge into practical, risk-reducing actions.

Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) presented the preventive-educational program “Safe E-Scooter Riding” to colleagues from Austria (ÖAMTC) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIHAMK)

The Croatian Automobile Club organized an international presentation on November 7, 2025, of the new preventive-educational e-scooter program “Safe E-Scooter Riding”. The rising use of e-scooters among younger population, which has led to more accidents, sparked international interest in HAK’s program experience.

The program responds to the growing use of e-scooters as a simple, practical, eco-friendly transport mode, addressing increased accidents and users’ lack of traffic rule awareness.

European Mobility Week 2025

The European Mobility Week was held from September 16 to 22 under the motto “Mobility for Everyone”, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable urban mobility. Each year, the European Commission invites cities and local communities to promote use of sustainable modes of transport, while this year’s theme emphasises ensuring transport accessibility for people of all ages, abilities and needs.

The central event in Zagreb took place on September 22 in Zrinjevac Park, where the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) also participated with the e-scooter simulator.

New preventive and educational program of the Croatian Automobile Club "Safe E-Scooter Riding"

In the Republic of Croatia, nearly 400 e-scooter accidents were recorded last year, causing two deaths. In the first seven months of 2025, there were already 365 accidents and over 100 serious injuries. Many involved minors, while accidents involving children using personal transport devices have also risen. 

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