They are accused, investigated or convicted of crimes related to the violation of the highway code: they will become pedestrian assistants, to try to limit accidents on the streets of Cagliari . One will be operational in via Cadello, in the place of the tragedy: in February Daniele Ulver, a 14-month-old boy who was in a stroller pushed by his mother in front of the entrance to Monte Claro, was run over and killed on the strips .
The initiative is carried out as part of the "Wheels still, pedestrians safe" project promoted by the AFVS - Association of Family and Road Victims, in collaboration with the Municipality of Cagliari.
Nine people assigned to the association have started a training course in via Crespellani, the headquarters of the local police. Equipped with a bib, led and paddle, they will have to make motorists and pedestrians aware of the correct use of the pedestrian crossings.
And, on the basis of accident statistics, the Municipality has chosen risky roads and intersections. Also adding high schools, especially in the delicate phases of student entry and exit, to carry out prevention and to send a message to the same kids who are about to get their driving licence.
They will be on the road as early as Thursday, but the number of pedestrian assistants - it was said at the press conference - is destined to grow.
It all started right after Daniele's tragedy: «Cagliari», Silvia Frisina explained on behalf of the association, «is the eighth Italian city that has welcomed this project in a process that is already yielding excellent results. There is no more time, it is now a social emergency since tragedies are taking place precisely in places where the pedestrian feels safer, on the crossings or even on the sidewalks. A project that not only protects their safety, but is also useful for re-educating those who have committed crimes related to non-compliance with the highway code".
The mayor Paolo Truzzu and the councilor for mobility Alessio Mereu underlined the importance of the project. And the measures already taken to combat road accidents in the city: "We are not narrowing the streets", said the mayor referring to the latest interventions by the Municipality, "but widening the sidewalks especially near intersections. So that motorists can see pedestrians. And vice versa, pedestrians can see cars better».
(Unioneonline)