Great success for the road safety prevention operation at Avenue 83

Under the evocative slogan "L’important, c’est de rentrer", the Avenue 83 shopping centre was the venue for a major road safety campaign on 17 and 18 July. Right in the middle of the first major summer holiday traffic peak, a large crowd attended this initiative designed to remind people of the rules of caution and behaviours to adopt on the road.

Partners mobilised

For the second consecutive year, the shopping centre management initiated this event in collaboration with major safety and rescue organisations in the department. The Maison de la Sécurité Routière du Var, the préfecture, the Police nationale, the Groupement de la Gendarmerie du Var as well as the Protection civile mobilised. Their common goal: to raise awareness among a wide audience, from the youngest to the most experienced, about road hazards during a period of particularly dense traffic.

Practical workshops

Throughout these two days, visitors were able to wander between the various stands and workshops set up in the heart of the commercial avenue. Among the key activities, a crash simulator allowed volunteers to feel the impact of a collision, even at low speed, and to become aware of the vital importance of the seat belt. Prevention workshops also provided an opportunity to discuss with law enforcement the dangers associated with alcohol, speed, or using a telephone while driving.

First aid and recruitment

Beyond prevention alone, the operation was also an opportunity to promote civic engagement. Volunteers from the Protection civile offered introductory training in first aid techniques, recalling that anyone can be the first link in the chain of survival in the event of an accident. At the same time, the information and recruitment stands of the Police nationale and the Gendarmerie attracted many curious visitors who came to find out about careers within the security forces.

Highly appreciated by the public, this initiative was a great success, confirming citizen interest in these crucial issues. A successful initiative which, at the time of major departures, hammers home an essential message: on the road, caution remains the best ally for holidays to end as well as they began.