BESIP celebrates its 50th anniversary

BESIP celebrates its 50th anniversary
2/5/2017Press releases

BESIP celebrates 50 years of existence in May 2017. Over this long period of time, it has "experienced" a number of social and political changes, and has, for example, had to cope with the emergence of modern technologies that we consider today in our everyday life to be a matter of fact. But are drivers and all road users really different from those 50 years ago? One thing definitely remains the same. It is a must to be considerate to one another on the road and realize that we are not alone on the road and must drive safely. This is also included in the name of BESIP – Bezpečnost Silničního Provozu (road safety).

BESIP celebrates its 50th anniversary

From first precautionary measures to reflective elements

 Since the establishment of BESIP, our approach to road safety has changed considerably. While passive safety features, such as seat strength and seat belts, were first mentioned in 1969, we consider them as a matter of fact nowadays. The most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, children and senior citizens, have become of the safety priorities. To ensure the safety of all pedestrians, a new obligation to wear reflective elements outside municipalities was introduced in 2016. There are currently over 160 traffic playgrounds designed for teaching, games or competitions and the traffic education of children. We have modern – not just printed – textbooks, interactive games with traffic themes and video tutorials. Lectures and discussions are organised for senior citizens in this respect.
 

Still the same mistakes

 Accident statistics show that poor behaviour of road users, about which BESIP is trying to warn and fight against throughout its activities, remains the same.
 Just like 50 years ago, even now the most common cause of traffic accidents is drivers' failure to pay attention to driving. While earlier this lack of concentration was most often caused by the driver studying the map or autoatlas, modern technologies and current trends are nowadays distracting the drivers: one must be online and available all the time.
 

Although the car fleet on our roads has been modernised and vehicles are now equipped with lots of safety features, accident statistics speak clearly.

Driving skills are constantly getting worse, so drivers have problems driving and controlling their vehicles. This may be just because of all the modern technologies in today's vehicles – we simply forget about the need for being considerate and no longer remember that common sense and vigilance must be our priorities. One of the basic principles of safe driving is tolerance for others' mistakes and compliance with traffic rules. Here, BESIP organises campaigns for all groups of road participants. And still, we have an increasing problem in one area – in growing aggression, hostility and unwillingness to cooperate. For example, last year it was in 16 127 cases that the driver ran away from the accident. 

 In some respects, however, we are more responsible as drivers. Last year was even the year with the lowest death toll of road accidents in history. Since 1970, the number of road accidents connected with overtaking, giving the right of way and inadequate speed has been decreasing. Especially with speed, however, it must be mentioned that the number of road accidents is decreasing, but in the long run, speed only makes 30% of the total share of fatal road accidents.
 

We like each other – change your thinking!

 BESIP will celebrate its 50th anniversary with several activities. Drivers can look forward to the "We Like Each Other – Change your Thinking" campaign. Its aim is to communicate relationships between traffic participants. It is no coincidence that the campaign will take place in May, the month of love. On the roads, drivers can meet a "good police Passat" that will reward the drivers for considerate behaviour on the road. At the same time, BESIP launches a social networking campaign to remind drivers of the biggest problems on the road. The "birthday" will culminate in a one-day event for the public at the autodrome on Saturday, August 26.


 
Download:
Back to article list