Public Safety Initiative Focused on Roadways
In an effort to reduce the high fatality rate among motorcyclists, Portugal has launched the National Inspection Plan (PNF) road safety campaign named "2 Rodas: Agarre-se à Vida" ("2 Wheels: Hold on to Life"). This campaign, which runs until next Monday, aims to raise awareness among motorcyclists about the dangers of risky behaviour on the road and the importance of safe driving practices [3].
The campaign is a collaborative effort by the Public Security Police (PSP), the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), and the National Republican Guard (GNR) [4]. It includes 11 awareness and inspection campaigns this year, with the current one being the seventh [2].
Motorcycle and moped users have a higher risk of suffering serious consequences if involved in road accidents compared to people traveling in other vehicles. This increased vulnerability is due to the lack of a passenger compartment protection and the lack of adherence to traffic laws and safe riding practices [1].
The campaign highlights the importance of increasing awareness of motorcycle and moped driver vulnerabilities, educating on the dangers of risky driving behaviours such as speeding, weaving through traffic, and not wearing protective gear, promoting the consistent use of helmets and proper protective clothing, and encouraging adherence to traffic laws and safe riding practices [3].
Using an approved helmet properly tightened and adjusted reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by 40% [1]. Other protective equipment such as gloves, boots, jackets with protectors, trousers with CE protection, and airbags also help to reduce the severity of consequences in the event of a motorcycle accident [5].
The campaign also includes inspection operations by the PSP and GNR, particularly on roads and access points with high traffic flow [2]. Awareness-raising actions by the ANSR throughout the country are also part of the campaign [3].
International bodies like FIA also emphasise helmet standards, helmet wearing, and protective measures for motorcyclists to improve safety [1]. Such recommendations are aligned with national efforts like the campaign in Portugal, which aims to reduce the high fatality rate among motorcyclists, a critical concern in road safety [2].
In adopting safe behaviour on the road, motorcyclists can help avoid the most serious consequences of road accidents. The "2 Rodas: Agarre-se à Vida" campaign supports the adoption of safe riding habits, use of appropriate protective equipment, and risk awareness as fundamental protective measures for motorcyclists during the National Inspection Plan in Portugal [3][1][2].
- The transportation sector, specifically motorcyclists, can potentially reduce the fatality rate by adhering to the principles of health-and-wellness, such as safe driving practices, and implementing fitness-and-exercise routines to enhance their agility and response times on the road.
- In the science of road safety, it is evident that appropriate protective gear—including helmets, gloves, boots, protective jackets, trousers, and airbags—reduces the severity of consequences in motorcycle accidents, as supported by multiple studies like those cited by international bodies such as FIA.
- By implementing an awareness and inspection campaign like "2 Rodas: Agarre-se à Vida" in partnership with various institutions, including the Public Security Police, National Road Safety Authority, and National Republican Guard, Portugal's road safety industry can spur growth in foreign investments by showcasing a commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of its citizens, thereby contributing to the nation's financial stability.
