European MEP Dieter Liebrech Koch, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Region I and its member clubs have launched a Europe-wide campaign to encourage responsible smartphone use in traffic.
The goal of the “#ParkYourPhone” campaign is to raise more awareness about distraction, show dangers of being distracted and decrease the number of distracted road users. In addition to the launch in Brussels, there are over 20 countries throughout Europe that are supporting this campaign and will be launching it throughout the autumn of 2017.
“Europe has done a lot to improve safety, be it on technical improvements of the vehicles, better training for road users or infrastructure,” said MEP Koch said. “But new technologies, such as smartphones and tablets, bring about new challenges. I welcome this event very much, because it encourages everyone to remember that a moment of distraction can be fatal.”
MEP European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc added: “With smartphones becoming more popular than ever, it seems increasingly difficult to take our eyes off the screen. In fact, distracted driving is the cause of a growing number of road deaths and injuries. It is vital that we keep our attention on the road. As Transport Commissioner, road safety is one of my ongoing priorities. A simple way to reduce accidents is to keep your eyes on the road and off your smartphone. I support FIA Region I’s initiative and this is my message to all road users: park your phone, keep the road safe.”
The FIA Region I office, based in Brussels, represents 114 Mobility Clubs and their 37 million members from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
