Roadpol, the European Roads Policing Network

The goal is simple – reduce road deaths

70 per day. That’s the average daily number of road deaths in Europe right now. And governments and dedicated non-governmental organisations are using various approaches to reduce this figure further. One of the most active organisations campaigning for greater road safety is Roadpol, the European Roads Policing Network.

Roadpol replaces TISPOL as the network of traffic police forces operating throughout Europe. Roadpol aims to significantly reduce the number of deaths on European roads. Its flagship campaign is an annual event called “Safety Days”. It involves several campaigns that are run simultaneously across Europe to improve road safety.

On the main day of this year’s campaign, 16 European countries recorded an impressive result of zero road fatalities. The other participating countries also showed positive results and the overall total of 35 fatalities was well below the average. 25 countries took part in this year’s campaign. According to campaign project manager, Tasos Ashikkis of the Cyprus Police: “Data shows that due to good road infrastructure and professional roads policing, Europe has achieved a lot. This does not mean we should be complacent, but on the contrary, we must continue to strive for fewer casualties”.

Roadpol counts among its many supporters various organisations, individuals and companies, as well as the EU. Adina Valean, European Commissioner for Transport, aims to work with Roadpol to achieve the ambitious goal of zero deaths and zero serious injuries on European roads by 2050. Former racing driver Mika Häkkinen is also acting as a Roadpol ambassador to promote safer driving.

Preventing pain and suffering is top of the agenda for Heinz-Albert Stumpen, General Secretary of Roadpol: “Traffic policing, more than any comparable field of activity, has the potential to successfully protect our citizens and communities.” A combination of various factors is required to make this happen. Tightening controls, improving equipment and enhancing the effectiveness of the police together represent one cornerstone of the approach. Educating drivers and collaborating closely with all stakeholders represent another.

Securetec Detektions-Systeme AG has been striving to improve road safety and reduce road fatalities and injuries since 1995. The company has been selling rapid screening drug tests on an international level for more than 25 years. Verena Zimmerman, CEO of Securetec, says “We are proud to play an important role in contributing to personal and public health and safety on a global scale”.