On March 13, 2025, the Sibiu County Police Inspectorate launched comprehensive actions aimed at preventing road accidents caused by pedestrian indiscipline. This campaign arose from alarming statistics reported last year, where indiscipline among pedestrians resulted in eight serious road accidents leading to four fatalities and four serious injuries.
The police undertook these initiatives across all categories of roads within Sibiu County. On this single day alone, they issued fines to 35 pedestrians who were found violating traffic rules by crossing the street improperly or walking unnecessarily on the roadway. "The actions of the police took place on all categories of roads, with 35 pedestrians being sanctioned for irregular crossings or unjustified walking on the roadway. We remind everyone involved, all activities are carried out for the interest and safety of citizens, and urge traffic participants to obey traffic rules for everyone's safety!" said Elena Welter, spokesperson for the IPJ Sibiu.
Alongside enforcing fines, the police emphasized the importance of using seatbelts during this campaign. Reports indicated within the last 24 hours, up to March 14, 2025, 45 drivers and passengers were caught traveling on public roads without seatbelts, highlighting another area of concern for road safety.
To tackle these safety issues, the police also incorporated public awareness efforts, inviting members of the community to experience the effects of wearing seatbelts through the use of impact simulators. This educational approach aimed to showcase how seatbelts can significantly reduce the severity of injuries during accidents, pressing the importance of such safety measures among drivers and passengers alike.
Elena Welter noted, "These efforts are not just punitive but also educational, as we work to instill safe behaviors among road users." This sentiment reflects the growing concern over pedestrian safety and the police's commitment to ensuring the streets of Sibiu are safer for everyone.
Given the stark statistics from 2024, it’s clear this campaign was not only timely but necessary. With continued indiscipline resulting in tragic outcomes, the Sibiu County Police's initiatives serve to protect the most vulnerable road users—the pedestrians. Their rigorous enforcement on this day exemplifies the proactive measures being taken to address these dangerous trends.
Moving forward, the Sibiu Police aim to sustain such efforts, adjusting strategies as needed to reinforce compliance with traffic laws among both pedestrians and drivers. Through education, enforcement, and community cooperation, the hope is to drastically reduce incidents related to pedestrian indiscipline.
Indeed, the engagement of local citizens and greater adherence to road safety rules can mean the difference between life and death on the roads of Sibiu. The police urge everyone to remain vigilant and continuously remind themselves and others of the importance of safety measures, not just for themselves but for the community as well.
With the introduction of initiatives like these, Sibiu County aims to become a model for pedestrian safety and responsible road use. Together, through cooperative efforts and strict enforcement, the goal remains clear: to make roads safer for all.