RADAR project focuses on implementing learning and transnational cooperation activities to help the relevant organisations in the Danube area to identify risk on their road networks and help them reduce risk systematically by improving road infrastructure and roads’ layout to save lives on roads.

In that respect, the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR) is commemorated on the third Sunday of November – to remember the many millions killed and injured on the world’s roads, together with their families, friends and many others who are affected. It is also a day when we thank the emergency services, medical professionals, police and those who are daily confronted with the dramatic consequences of road crashes https://worlddayofremembrance.org/. In 2018 the theme and slogan of the #WDoR 2018 is "Roads have stories".

Thus, on November 18, 2018, a flash-mob took place in the square of the National Theater Opera and Ballet "Maria Biesu" in Chisinau, Moldova to raise awareness of the frequent tragedies and commemorate victims of road crashes. During the event, as symbols of lost souls in crashes, white balloons were launched into the sky and given to passers-by, lit candles in their memory, while at intersections and pedestrian crossings special human silhouettes appeared with special messages on behalf of those who had suffered from road traffic accidents such as, "I knew that the road is not a place to play", "I had to buckle up", "If I were sitting in a CRS, I would be in the kindergarten now", "That message was not so important…".

Similar activities were organized in Comrat, Gagauzia and will be carried on in the Northern part of Moldova.

On November 19, the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM), under the aegis of the World Health Organization in Moldova, in partnership with the National Patrolling Inspectorate, organized a roundtable to discuss the most serious road safety issues and identify new solutions to reduce the number of victims at a national level. The event was attended by the representatives of the Ministries of the National Road Safety Council, international organizations (WHO, EBRD, UNDP), driving schools (Driver Plus School, UCA), private sector ("Orange"), NGOs (“Oratorul” Theatre, "MOTIVATION", "Neovita", National Environmental Center, Mama.md etc.).

The main subjects addressed on the agenda were:

• Child injuries and deaths;
• Streets and intersections: pedestrian safety, mobility, and access, and
• Safe, green and sustainable cities, involving all the stakeholders attended in active discussions.

Head of the General Police Inspectorate Alexandru Pînzari mentioned the importance of complying with road traffic rules by explaining the main road crash causes: excessive speed and drink driving. Chief of the National Patrolling Inspectorate Livii Baziuc presented the current road traffic situation in Moldova and called on every road user and a community representative to join the national road safety measures and interventions.

At the same time, RADAR project partner Automobile Club Moldova used this event to present people that are the living example of the slogan ‘Roads Have Stories’.  

Famous singer Victoria Lungu shared her experience:

12 years ago, she was a victim of a serious road crash with a very long recovery period but with a happy ending. The musician shared that after this accident she understood safety is a priority for the sake of life. Also, in this regard, Victoria thanked the extraordinary team of doctors who made surgery and saved her. Unfortunately, not all stories have happy endings.

Denis, just 31 years old, is now in a wheelchair because an accident that happened five years ago. The accident was caused by a drunk driver. Denis hopes that accessibility in the Republic of Moldova will be improved for those citizens facing problems due to low level of mobility.

Automobile Club Moldova believes that in the very near future the people with special needs will be heard by the responsible authorities and their life will be better and easier.

The story of Denis was told by Ms. Victoria Boţan, Public Relations Specialist of “MOTIVATION” Association. Ms. Boţan demonstrated how people with special needs live and reported what difficulties they struggle with every day. However, solutions exist, and they must be applied.

Thus, the ACM will continue to promote and get involved in initiatives to promote equal rights for people with disabilities.

Urbanist and civic activist Victor Chironda together with Simion Berzoi (UNDP Project Coordinator) and Ion Cozma from "Orange" Moldova presented the cost-efficient and modern possibilities of road traffic management and cities with streets build for people. Innovative solutions that can be implemented through new technologies can and should be transformed in Chisinau into a green, safe and sustainable city. It depends on local public authorities and other relevant organizations.

2119 road crashes were registered in the Republic of Moldova, resulting in 220 deaths, and 2531 injuries in 10 months of 2018. All these tragedies could be prevented!

Automobile Club Moldova wishes to express their gratitude to all the participants who supported the ACM in in organizing the #WDoR2018 and in achieving our main goal - safe and accessible roads for all - the World Health Organization, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, the General Police Inspectorate, the National Patrolling Inspectorate, General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, State Chancellery, Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the UNDP Program, the “Oratorul” Theater, “Driver Plus" school, UCA Union, Mama.md, “Neovita” Center, MOTIVATION Association,  National Environmental Center, Mr. Victor Chironda,"Orange” Company.