Fewer accidents, more awareness: the challenge of road safety in the Basque Country
The lowest number of deaths has been recorded in recent decades, but authorities say much remains to be done.
In 2024, 37 people died in road accidents in the Basque Country. This is the lowest figure in recent decades and yet it is a very high figure. "From 2,000 years to the present, we have gone from more than 200 victims a year to 37. This is a positive fact because mortality data are falling, but we still have a lot to do, "explains Estibaliz Olabarri, Director of Traffic of the Basque Government.
Education and awareness: key to decline
The President believes that the reduction is not only due to regulation, but also to education and awareness.
"The compulsory use of seat belts, the wearing of helmets by motorcyclists, the driving licence by points, the speed reduction measures... has led topublic awareness and concern. For example, there were no deaths among bicycle users. So we might think that in the future there will be no deaths among motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
In the same vein, Rosa Maria Trinidad of Stop Road Violence has stated that "we need to educate, raise awareness, carry out awareness-raising campaigns to care for all kinds of groups, work with children in schools... because that's investing in life."
Current challenges: alcohol, speed and distractions
Despite the decline in numbers, there are still many risks . The authorities highlight three main factors: alcohol and drugs, inadequate speed and distractions, mainly due to the use of mobile phones.
"We don't need to use phones or navigators while driving. No call is so important as to put one's life or that of others at stake. It's everyone's responsibility to make roads a safe place," Trinidad said.
Youth responsibility and road education
The message must also influence the formation of new generations. "Young people are now much more aware than we had. They are going to drive differently because they have been taught a lot of values. The point is to be responsible: there are a lot of different types of drivers on the road that we walk side by side, and we all have the same goal: to walk safely," they explain.
No casualties.
The Basque Country continues to move towards an ambitious goal: to avoid road deaths. Combining technology, regulation, education and public awareness is the formula that the authorities consider essential for further reducing accidents and protecting all road users.
"The use of new technologies in road safety management is essential, but it must always be accompanied by responsibility and awareness," they conclude.
You might like
Oyarzabal: "We will always carry Seville and this Cup in our hearts, but seeing your happiness is priceless and we stay with it."
Cries, applause, tears and madness in San Sebastian! 100,000 people were expected in the capital of Guipuzcoana to welcome the Royal Society players and celebrate the King's Cup, and expectations have been met.
Pradales: "Football owed the Royal what we live in today."
The president, Imanol Pradales, has stressed that, in five years, the Basque teams have won three cups, two of which have been won by the Royal Society, and has thus highlighted the time that the Basque sport is going through because "it fits in with our identity".
The Ertzaintza is investigating an attempted sexual assault on the Oñati campus
The Vice-Chancellor of Science, Universities and Innovation has participated in the rally convened by the University and stressed that "in the face of any kind of violence and, of course, sexual violence, a strong response to is essential".
Happy in their personal circumstances, but housing and economic issues squeeze young people
The Basque Government's Aurrera Begira report puts the personal welfare index at 73 points out of 100 but increases uncertainty about the future.
Sentenced to four years in prison for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student in Pamplona
The defendant shall no longer be able to speak to or approach the victim and shall remain on probation for a period of five years, once he has served the prison sentence, and shall not be able to perform the duties of minors, whether paid or not, for 10 years.
Gipuzkoa has an "open attitude" towards immigration and a "positive view" of coexistence
The report "Attitudes, Situations and Xenophobic Narratives in Gipuzkoa" by the Provincial Council and the Begirune Foundation states that immigration is a problem for only 8%.
The president has supported the new network of men politicians for equality: "We have a great responsibility."
Imanol Pradales has stated that "there is still no equality" between women and men.
It will be news: Reception to the Royal, Iran's truce in check and face-to-face regularization
Summary of the main news that Orain is working on today.
A man has been arrested in San Sebastian for stabbing a roommate in the neck with a knife
The attack took place in a house in Altza, where the alleged aggressor left the house but was located in the vicinity and arrested on charges of attempted murder.
Watch the Cup Final again at ETBO!
Excitement and tension were blown up on Saturday night in Seville during the Copa Final that lasted until the penalty. At ETBO the platform can watch the full game and award delivery again whenever you want.