Events

A road safety campaign brought together experts from Bulgaria and Romania

The financing of the project is provided by the Interreg V-A Program Romania – Bulgaria 2014-2020 through the European Regional Development Fund, the Romanian and Bulgarian Governments.

On January 31, a round table on road safety was held in Cherven Bryag. The event launched the campaign to ensure high awareness of the population of the municipality of Cherven Bryag and the municipality of Alexandria.

The topic of road safety of all road users was discussed at the event, with a focus on children and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable groups in this regard. Representatives of various stakeholders spoke about the good practices in the field and outlined the need to take additional preventive measures both in practice and in law.

Several schools and kindergartens in the city, as well as owners and instructors in driving schools took an active part in the discussion. Everyone agreed that there should be constant proactive work and position on the topic, because only in this way can human life be preserved. It is no coincidence that the clear message was chosen as the motto of the whole campaign – BE CAREFUL ON THE ROAD! EVERY HUMAN LIFE IS VALUABLE!

The campaign is part of the ROBG-306 Project Better Connectivity of Alexandria and Cherven Bryag to the TEN-T Network. The project is aimed at important common challenges related to the poorly developed transport infrastructure in the cross-border region and its accessibility and will be implemented from 20.03.2019 to 19.03.2022.

The main goal is to improve regional mobility by modernizing the road infrastructure in the municipalities of Alexandria and Cherven Bryag, as well as to create joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of tertiary nodes to the TEN-T infrastructure.

 

For the second time, Bulgarian and Romanian experts discussed road safety and new safety s

A round table dedicated to the international road safety campaign was held for the second time on October 27 in Cherven Bryag. The start was set on January 31st with a presentation on prevention and road safety, and the aim of the info campaign is to ensure high awareness of the population of the municipalities of Cherven Bryag and Alexandria.
The main topic discussed during the event was the clarifications on the new vehicle safety systems. Representatives of the Romanian side of the project also took part online, presenting their position on innovations in cars and other topics. Issues related to road safety of all road users were also touched upon, such as the risks, possible actions to prevent road accidents and to increase the safety and attention of drivers. Topics related to the basic laws and regulations that drivers must comply with, as well as various coercive administrative measures, were also touched upon. Adolescents need additional information and training to develop their social skills on the road. And with age, many people deteriorate their abilities and need extra attention to be safe participants in traffic. Representatives of various stakeholders spoke about the good practices in the field – in the country and abroad, and outlined the need to take additional preventive measures both in practice and in law.

 

For the second time, Bulgarian and Romanian experts discussed road safety and new safety

A third round table concerning road safety was held in Cherven Bryag. The project was launched on January 31, 2020, with a focus on prevention and road safety, and the aim of the whole info campaign is to ensure high awareness of the population of the municipalities of Cherven Bryag and the municipality of Alexandria.
During the event  have been discussed the road safety of all road users, what are the risks, possible actions to prevent road accidents and to increase the safety of both pedestrians and drivers. According to experts, children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups in this regard. Adolescents need additional information and training to develop their social skills on the road. And with age, many people deteriorate their abilities and need extra attention to be safe participants in traffic. Representatives of various stakeholders spoke about the good practices in the field – in the country and abroad, and outlined the need to take additional preventive measures both in practice and in law.
As part of the initiative, a final event with a demonstration for safe driving was realized.
Various techniques and methods for safe behavior on the road were shown, which concern all road users and aim to raise their awareness. Guests were students from PGHT “Yuri Gagarin”, citizens and representatives of the municipality of Cherven Bryag. The host was Tsvetomir Tsvetkov, owner of a driving school and ambassador of the campaign among the local public, an undisputed authority and expert on road safety.
All participants agreed that there should be constant proactive work and awareness on the topic, because this is one of the ways to save human life. It is no coincidence that the slogan of the campaign is the clear message – BE CAREFUL ON THE ROAD! EVERY HUMAN LIFE IS VALUABLE!
The campaign is part of the ROBG-306 Project Better Connection of Alexandria and Cherven Bryag to TEN-T Network. The project is aimed at important common challenges related to the poorly developed transport infrastructure in the cross-border region and its accessibility and will be implemented from 20.03.2019 to 19.10.2022.
The main goal is to improve regional mobility by rehabilitation of the road infrastructure in the municipalities of Alexandria and Cherven Bryag, as well as to create joint mechanisms to facilitate the connection of tertiary nodes to the TEN-T infrastructure.
The project is financed by the Interreg V-A Program Romania – Bulgaria 2014-2020 through the European Regional Development Fund, the Romanian and Bulgarian Governments.

"Enhancing Road Safety in the Bulgaria-Romania Cross-Border Areas: Strategies for a Safer Journey"

 

Road safety in cross-border areas presents unique challenges due to differences in traffic regulations, road conditions, and driver behaviors. The regions of Bulgaria and Romania, sharing a significant border, are no exception. Enhancing road safety in these areas is crucial to prevent accidents, save lives, and ensure the smooth flow of traffic and goods between the two countries. This article will explore key strategies and initiatives to improve road safety in the Bulgaria-Romania cross-border areas.

Understanding the Challenges

The Bulgaria-Romania border area encompasses diverse terrains, including urban zones, rural landscapes, and sections along the Danube River. The varied geography, combined with a mix of local and international drivers, contributes to the complexity of road safety challenges. Major issues include differing road standards, variations in national traffic laws, language barriers, and the presence of heavy cross-border commercial traffic.

Harmonizing Traffic Regulations and Standards

A fundamental step towards enhancing road safety is the harmonization of traffic regulations and road standards between Bulgaria and Romania. Efforts should focus on aligning speed limits, signage, and road markings to minimize confusion among drivers crossing the border. Additionally, both countries can benefit from adopting best practices in road engineering, such as implementing more effective traffic calming measures in urban areas and improving road infrastructure quality.

Education and Awareness Campaigns

Educating drivers about the specific risks and regulations associated with cross-border driving is essential. Joint Bulgarian-Romanian initiatives could include multilingual road safety campaigns, focusing on the importance of adhering to speed limits, the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the necessity of wearing seat belts. Such campaigns could utilize social media, local television and radio stations, and billboards near border crossings to reach a wide audience.

Enhanced Enforcement

Strengthening enforcement of traffic laws in border areas can deter dangerous driving behaviors. Joint patrols and checkpoints by Bulgarian and Romanian police forces can be an effective measure, especially in targeting speeding, drunk driving, and smuggling activities that compromise road safety. Additionally, the use of technology, such as speed cameras and automated license plate recognition systems, can aid in enforcing traffic laws more efficiently.

Emergency Response Coordination

Improving emergency response times and coordination between Bulgarian and Romanian emergency services is crucial for minimizing the impact of accidents. This can be achieved through joint training exercises, establishing direct communication channels, and sharing best practices in emergency medical response. Moreover, deploying advanced emergency response technologies, like GPS and mobile apps for quicker accident reporting, can significantly enhance the efficiency of rescue operations.

Encouraging Community Involvement

Local communities in the border areas play a vital role in road safety. Initiatives such as community-led road watch programs can help identify and report hazardous road conditions or dangerous driving behaviors. Engaging local communities in road safety education programs, especially in schools, can also raise awareness from a young age about the importance of safe driving practices.

Conclusion

Improving road safety in the Bulgaria-Romania cross-border areas requires a multifaceted approach involving harmonization of regulations, education, enforcement, emergency response coordination, and community involvement. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, Bulgaria and Romania can create a safer road environment for their citizens and all who travel between these neighboring countries. Such efforts not only contribute to reducing accidents and saving lives but also to strengthening the economic and social ties between Bulgaria and Romania.