EU supporting Georgian infrastructure, interior ministries in road safety campaign
Outdoor banners with road safety message - #DoNotRepeatTheMistake - would be installed throughout five cities of the country. Photo: EU Delegation to Georgia
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The Georgian ministries of infrastructure and internal affairs are launching a public information campaign to raise awareness on the importance of road safety in the country, with the European Union lending the bodies its support in the effort.
The Delegation of the EU in Georgia on Wednesday announced outdoor banners with road safety messages would be installed throughout five cities of the country and complemented by outreach through television, online and social media to reach “as many drivers as possible”.
The banners - designated for capital Tbilisi, the central Georgian city of Khashuri, as well as the western cities of Kutaisi, Zestaponi and Batumi - will show real stories of actual people affected by road accidents.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injuries in #Georgia. These can be prevented.@MIAofGeorgia & @MRDIGeorgia are teaming up with @EIB & ???????? on a nationwide campaign to help make Georgia's road safer for everybody.
— EU Delegation Georgia ???????? (@EUinGeorgia) February 8, 2023
Find out more: https://t.co/O7tb23Wcmk pic.twitter.com/MGvfjBQPSa
Launched with the tagline #DoNotRepeatTheMistake, the campaign is financed by the EU and the European Investment Bank within the Georgia Transport Connectivity project, which aims to enhance the country's connectivity to Europe while reinforcing the safety of its road networks.
Alexandre Darakhvelidze, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, said ensuring road traffic safety was a "priority” for the Ministry.
While we are developing the road infrastructure and implementing multiple reforms, accidents on roads and car crashes remain as a challenge. The Government made significant legislative changes in 2022 in terms of road safety. The coordinated approach and joining forces will lead us to the improvement of road traffic safety in the country”, he said.
Koba Gabunia, the Deputy Infrastructure Minister, said the partnership between the Georgian ministries and the EU would help develop the road infrastructure in the country in line with international standards and contribute to road safety improvement.
Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge
In comments on the communication campaign, Pawel Herczynski, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, said it could result in reduced road accidents.
The EU Delegation to Georgia said car accidents were one of Georgia's "leading causes" of fatalities and injuries.
Not maintaining a single lane, speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are some significant causes of road accidents in Georgia. The safe transportation of infants and toddlers is also crucial", said the body.
Over the last two years, 879 people, including 22 children, have been killed and 15,222 injured in car accidents across Georgia.