Russian stars and a founder of Formula-1 racing team join a social campaign aimed at promoting civilized road behavior.
4 November 2009
A campaign in support of the forthcoming First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety was launched on “AUTORADIO” - the most popular FM radio station among Russian drivers. The “AUTORADIO” is an informative partner of Conference
Well-known public persons are featuring in radio reels. These people differ from each other, as the road users do, by their occupation, way of life, admirers etc. The “AUTORADIO” reels are based on the conversations about road accidents problem and what should be done to change the situation. In an interview they all talk about similar things: personal responsibility of each road user and certain expectations from the Conference.
Sir Francis Williams, the founder and the principal of the Williams Formula One racing team
"Hi, I’m Frank Williams, the manager of the Williams F1 racing team. We gained 113 Grand prix and 60 Formula One World Championships.
Many years ago I didn’t observe traffic rules and got into an accident. It entailed serious troubles for my health: the lower part of my body is disabled and I’m permanently tied to a wheelchair. Since then road safety is one of the main things in my life. Every year 1.3 million of people are killed in road accidents and I support any initiative to decrease the terrible toll.
I hope the First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Moscow will be fruitful. I ask you to support it and I believe that our mutual efforts will result in a reduction of road deaths. Thanks and good journey!
The host: The First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. Time for action! Moscow, 19-20 November 2009.
Irina Slutskaja the double World champion, sevenfold champion of Europe, double Olympic prize-winner on figure skating
Hello, I’m Irina Slutskaja. You know that our roads require a very careful driving.
I do not know about you, but some figure skating tricks help me in driving. To talk seriously, I’ve been driving for a long time and I know myself that it is very difficult to be a civilized person on a road: rudeness and boorishness are routine among drivers. How can someone stay calm and polite?
But, to my mind the road situation is getting better. It seems that drivers in Russia become a bit more civilized. For example, I stopped to let a pedestrian pass and hear no raging sounds of car horns behind.
Just think, the more we are civilized on roads the more lives can be saved.
Over 3000 lives were saved in 2008. I found it out in the Internet.
And we should not stop! In the near future the ministers responsible for global road safety will gather in Moscow in November for the first time in history. I hope our authorities will gain the best world experience for making Russian roads safe. Let us be more responsible! It’s that simple: to treat each other with respect, to observe rules. Our lives depend on it. Time for action!
Igor Butman, a jazz player
Hullo, I’m Igor Butman, a jazz musician. I was in different cities with concert programs (I’ve traveled a lot around the world) and want to admit that Moscow is not the most dangerous city in regards to road traffic. I’ve seen worse places. But we should not get relaxed – road accidents happen where vehicles are.
1.3 million human lives are lost every year because of this global problem. It’s more than are gone in wars and epidemics. Think it over!
The world community is ready for struggle with the crisis: ministers responsible for global road safety will gather in Moscow in November. I am glad that a new thrust in the solution of this global problem will be given in Moscow: ministers responsible for global road safety will gather there in November.
I hope the best world experience will be implemented to make our roads safe. And I wish our drivers be more calm, follow the traffic rules and walk more often – it is good for health! Time for action!
Let’s support these efforts and be more conscious while driving, respect each other, adhere to the rules and be safe and sound. Time for action!
Fyodor Bondarchuk, a Russian film director
Hallo, I’m Fyodor Bondarchuk, a film director. If I shot a film about madmen I would do it directly on Moscow crossroads in rush hour. What persons, what expressions, what fireworks of emotions...!
To speak seriously, careless driving leads to human victims. And it’s not only a problem of Russia. 1.3 million people die every year from road accidents all over the world.
I am glad that a new thrust in the solution of this global problem will be given in Moscow: ministers responsible for global road safety will gather there in November.
I hope the best world experience will be implemented to make our roads safe. And I wish our drivers be more calm, follow the traffic rules and walk more often – it is good for health! Time for action!