Styria launches provocative road safety campaign

Styria is launching a provocative road-safety campaign with police to encourage road users to consider other people’s perspectives, ORF reported. Posters and social media messages will carry statements such as “My right of way was more important than your life.”

More than 7,000 people were injured in crashes in Styria last year. The campaign focuses on inattention, which is the leading cause of accidents, particularly distraction caused by mobile phones and failure to yield. Together, these factors are linked to more than half of all crashes, said Maria Knauer-Lukas, a road-safety expert with the province.

Provincial transport councillor Claudia Holzer said provocative messages were chosen to raise awareness and encourage people not to insist on their rights at all costs. The campaign aims to reach all age groups, with particular attention to children, who can be easily overlooked because of their height and have a different view of traffic.

The police are also supporting the campaign. Kurt Lassnig, head of the provincial traffic division, said even one second of inattention can lead to a crash. He said police prevention work in schools focuses on young people and on anticipating risks on the road.

The first posters, outdoor displays and social media videos will appear from November 2. The campaign is funded by the Road Safety Fund, which receives some of its funding from personalised licence plates.