July 2006  – N  17
Special Summer-2.006

Buses, Coaches and seat belts

(Article by Jesús Rogés, Project Leader P(A)T)

We have new European regulations, passenger buses and coaches must be built with seat belts, although there will be a tolerance for buses which have already been built -its logical not to have to take them to the breakers yard, if they are nearly new- , the result will be that some businesses will have some buses/coaches with seatbelts and other buses/coaches without.

P(A)T-AP(A)T, defends the weakest in our streets and highways, they are children, the most numerous users of this mode of transport and although we know that the incidence of accidents and mortality in buses/coaches is low, it never ceases to horrify us when the worst happens, an incident with buses and children, and we always end up thinking and debating, "What if they had worn seat belts?", and experts always conclude: "it would have saved a life and / or their injuries would not be so serious.

At the end of school holidays the AMPA's (School Parent Associations) and School Boards, typically organize excursions, trips and study credits and must take responsibility in this area and always ask for new coaches or a company which has them, for the lives of our children and our good conscience. We therefore must ask for and obtain these buses with seat belts, and although this obliges companies to change a little before all its buses/coaches will offer an add value to their business, given that this could be a good sales/advertising point.

Lowering of the black figures

(Article by the Board of P(A)T-AP(A)T)

The concept of the Points Driving Licence seems to be clarifying, according to a survey by the DGT, the opinions in favor are overwhelming, the sobering decline of the "black" figures (we resist talking about statistics where family dramas are caused by the loss of life).

The decrease is more than significant, almost 20% fewer deaths in the first month and in just one weekend, -the worst of the year- 18 mortalities fewer, and we welcome that, because it could have happened to us.

P(A)T-AP(A)T, always urges caution and to obey the speed limits, because we are risking our life and those arround us, as well as the consequences to families, but if the road users are complying with the law more for fear of losing driving licence points, let them know that, in the light of the "figures", it gives them quality of life, as they have lower risk of dying. Not long ago, a quality of life index was published, but Spain would be in a more acceptable position, at the level of the "Nordic bloc", if we could reduce deaths on streets and highways, which would bring to society a lightening of the health expense, social and economic cost, etc .- caused by so many deaths and injuries.

It is worth remembering, and not forgetting that there are many reasons not to infringe the traffic code and signals, not only the deduction of points, and if not, then we can make sure of reminding drivers of that in the courses for the recovery of those lost points.

A good Holiday and a better Journey

(Article by the Board of P(A)T-AP(A)T)

The same as in every year, the summer break arrives and P(A)T-AP(A)T hope that you enjoy it with family and dear friends, with the so deserved opportunity to relax that our body and mind need. So we ask you to heighten your prudence - that on the road is never too much - so that you can complete these happy days as you have begun them. Have a good Journey. Have a good Holiday.

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