31 countries took part in this year’s European Day Without A Road Death

This year’s Project EDWARD (the European Day Without A Road Death) took place across Europe on Wednesday 19 September. Devised in 2016 by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL), the initiative once again aimed to raise awareness of road safety and reduce the number of people killed on European roads.

TISPOL General Secretary Ruth Purdie commented:

“The figure of 50 deaths on Europe’s roads on Project EDWARD day is below the average of 70. But we must remember that there is a terrible tragedy behind every one of these deaths, as well as a massive economic impact. That is why we must continue to play our parts – whether as politicians, policy makers, police officers or simply as individual road users – to take responsibility for our own safety and that of others. Because it is the simple act of taking individual responsibility that would lead to a significant and sustained reduction in road death.

“We should, however, be proud of our efforts in raising awareness of road safety through Project EDWARD. The best-ever social media figures confirm that Project EDWARD struck a chord far beyond the road safety sector.

“There is no single solution, but we must be willing to look for new ideas, new partners and new technology. But above all, we need to work together to clamp down on dangerous behaviour.

“We firmly believe that if each road user can make small changes to reduce risk, then together we can make some big improvements – and reduce the number of people who die or are seriously injured on Europe’s roads.

“With Project EDWARD we have a great resource to motivate road users to reduce risks and improve safety while driving, riding, walking or cycling. A day without a road death should be our goal every day, not just on 19 September.”