INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS

(Article by Margaretta Jönsson, Secretary of AP(A)T)
On August 9th, Margaretta Jönsson on behalf of P(A)T-AP(A)T had a meeting with the Swedish Member of Parliament, Johnny Gylling, in Sweden. The meeting is a continuation of the cooperation already initiated in June, 2003 with the visit of Mr. Jordi Casas (Member of the Catalan Parliament) and Mr. Ole Thorson (Vicepresident of P(A)T with the Traffic Commission of the Swedish Congress.

Also, contact with Mr. Gylling has been maintained via e-mail, exchanging information on laws and regulations of Road Safety in both countries.

Among the many topics discussed, we can highlight: The Road Safety Conference held in Stockholm attended by the Common Market countries, 10th and 11th of May 2004 (3 members per country). Spain did have any attending participants, claiming proximity to the election date. Some countries have 'alcohol' as a priority, whereas others focus on 'excessive speed', but both are key issues.

Different areas were debated, such as: the Points Driving Licence, blood alcohol level, education in driving schools on the effects of alcohol on driving, driver education in driving schools, speed limits, victim statistics, penal code, education courses for offenders of road safety, the reflective vest, etc.. and past and future events organized by P(A)T and its section AP(A)T.

THE YEAR OF CHANGE: GREATER SAFETY

(Article by O. Thorson, Vice President of P(A)T)
The casualties on our highways are experiencing a headwind. Speed is slowing as are the temptations of drinking alcohol before going on the road. This curb on the recklessness of a large group of drivers causes the accident figures to come down, save the lives of many people who previously were unwittingly involved became in a journey, but without return.

There are many reasons for this change that is beginning to manifest itself and is expected to consolidate. The most important reason seems to be a kind of symbiosis between a widespread desire of road users together with the political interest in reducing violence in public.

Politicians are finding that people want security more than speed and the users are expressing this more clearly. At the same time the media act as a bridge between the two groups. Those groups who advocate the 'fast society' and freedom of movement without limits, have less support in society today.

This fundamental change should be welcomed and it is advisable to stimulate and maximize this change, and this is the point in which the responsibility of politicians, technical and scientific experts must act: to provide new measures and actions.

In the first instance, we must take into account that the time from the proposal of a measure, to the time in which it becomes effective in society, can take between 2 and 15 years. Secondly it is important to create a public debate on the ongoing measures and actions for the following years. All possible actions must be discussed.

A society which does not debate ideas and measures to save the lives and physical integrity of its citizens, demonstrates that it has little freedom. New rules or laws should not be introduced without sufficient debate. Also, after so many years without serious action on Road Safety, a few months delay can be assumed before launching all the actions defined under Article 29.

P(A)T wants to encourage this debate in many different forums, with a basic idea: the security of the citizen must be ahead of the desire for speed and personal priority on the highway.

CHANGE IN THE CRIMINAL CODE

(Article by J. Roges, Project Leader of P(A)T-AP(A)T)
The case of Benjamin Olalla, the pedestrian who died as the result of an accident caused by the flamenco dancer "Farruquito", is bringing its consequences, many voices have been raised, requesting a change in the Penal Code. This case has exposed the reality, because this is happening too often. In the majority of mortal cases, the treatment by the Justice Department, is far removed from social reality, which has generated a popular movement of people who are directly and indirectly affected by this treatment and have formed a platform, asking for your signatures. P(A)T-AP(A)T unites these efforts and offers the infrastructure of the Association, to take your rightful demands to the Spanish Congress.

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