“Encouraging people to change their driving practices”

By addressing enthusiasts, the curious, or novices, the MSR-Var took advantage of this event to create a link between the world of the racetrack and the daily reality of the road. Its objective: to raise public awareness of two-wheeler safety in an environment conducive to listening, exchange, and awareness. Furthermore, on September 20, the gendarmes carried out a road check and prevention actions at the Paul Ricard circuit in the presence of the Escadron Départemental de Sécurité Routière of the gendarmerie of Var and Ornella Ongaro, professional rider and road safety ambassador. This operation aimed to prevent and punish risky behavior, remind people of the rules of use, and penalize dangerous driving, in a context where road accidents are on the rise. Then, the prefect of Var attended prevention actions with the Maison de la Sécurité Routière, in the presence of Ornella Ongaro, the gendarmerie nationale, and young people from the Service National Universel, at the stand of the Maison de la Sécurité Routière.

ADOPTING THE RIGHT PRACTICES

There were practical workshops to discover and adopt the right practices: adjusting equipment, properly wearing a helmet, checking the condition of one's two-wheeler, interactive quizzes to test road safety knowledge in a fun way and learn while having fun, and impressive and telling demonstrations of motorcycle airbag deployment to concretely illustrate the usefulness of protective equipment. These activities, accompanied by individualized discussions with trained speakers, made it possible to convey clear and accessible messages based on concrete situations. “The goal was not to make people feel guilty, but to speak truthfully, with respect and kindness, to encourage everyone to change their driving practices. The presence of the MSR-Var at the Bol d’Or was part of a strong commitment, as it was about making safety visible, audible, and useful in a context dedicated to performance. It was an opportunity to dialogue with motorcyclists, families, professionals, and institutions, and to reinforce a shared culture of prevention,” recalled the MSR of Var. She added: “And if, thanks to a workshop, a quiz, a demonstration, or a simple conversation, just one person decides to change their habits, to get better equipped, or to drive differently, then the mission is accomplished.”

GENDARMERIE AND SNU

Thus, the MSR-Var stand welcomed Ornella Ongaro, motorcycle rider and road safety ambassador. Her presence made it possible to discuss with the public her experience as a rider and her commitment to preventing road risks. “And, throughout the weekend, young people from the Service National Universel (SNU) raised public awareness about road safety issues, relaying prevention messages and encouraging responsible behavior. Their participation brought a civic and intergenerational dimension, fostering dialogue between young people and the general public,” said Nicolas Moulin, in charge of recruitment for the gendarmerie of Var. “Furthermore, the gendarmerie set up a stand dedicated to recruitment. This stand offered the opportunity to discover the different professions within the gendarmerie, to interact directly with the public, to promote the institution's image, and to inspire vocations, especially among young people,” added Adjudant Moulin.