A HUMANISTIC ASSOCIATION IS BORN

In the decade of the sixties, with the motorization of our society, there also occurs a constant increase in the number of accidents, and as a consequence, in the number of injured and dead, caused by vehicles in the streets and highways of Spain.

Confronted by this situation, the Association for the Prevention of Traffic Accidents (P(A)T), is founded as a benefic association in the city of Sabadell, in October 1968. The initiative was taken by Sr. José Martínez Vinaroz, who leaded a team of young people, united by the same ideal: to save lives. The association obtained a wide support in the founding city, although it came up against difficulties when it sought the same enthusiasm elsewhere.

We can divide the actions of P(A)T in three periods: the first, since is founding, with office in Sabadell, and with its managing committee presided by the founders themselves. The second period covers from 1986 until 1995. In this time, the offices of the association move to Barcelona, and the managing committee is presided by Dr. Eduard Carbonell.

In the third period, a new branch of the association is constituted, AP(A)T (People Affected by Accidents of Traffic). AP(A)T, groups together the people affected by traffic accidents and carries out different activities of support and help for family members and victims. Its President is Sr. Vicente Sánchez.

Subsequent presidents of P(A)T have been Sr. Salvador Doménech and then Sr. Xavier Parés. The current president of P(A)T is Sra. Eugenia Doménech.

Since it was founded, P(A)T has participated actively in society in favour of an increase in traffic safety awareness on behalf of the users and administration, following a line of action both disciplinary and supportive.

In these almost 40 years of existence, P(A)T has developed an important and diverse activity, more as a consequence of the dedication of its enthusiastic members than as a result of support from public or private entities.

Today it seems that we are no longer in the same place as before. Surely the activity carried out by P(A)T will have saved the lives of many drivers and pedestrians. Even if we had saved the life of just one person, for us this is sufficient compensation for the effort made to achieve this ideal.

RECOGNITIONS OF THE WORK OF PAT and AP(A)T

• The Interior Minister, Juan Jose Roson, judging PAT's efforts as worthy of recognition, proposed to the Council of Ministers that an award be given. As a consequence, the association PAT was declared, in 1980, of Public Utility, by the Spanish Government. This endows the association with the same effects as a Foundation, in terms of tax relief for donations from businesses.
  
  
• In 2004 the former president of P (A) T, Mr. Parés, received from the DGT the Bronze Medal with Blue Distinction for his professional career in favour of Road Safety.

• He also received the Bronze Medal of Merit for his contributions to the fight for the Prevention of Accidents, from the DGT (National Department of Traffic).
  
  
• In 1994, the Honorable President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol, awarded the 1993 Prize to PAT as the Catalan organization with most merits with respect to road safety.
  
  
• In 1993, in recognition of its 25 year career of good work, the City of Barcelona, represented by the Mayor, Pasqual Maragall, presented a Silver Plaque stating this recognition.

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