On June 15, 2012, the Automobile Club of Moldova launched a new campaign under the title “Buckle Up Your Seatbelt” in Bălți.

The event was carried out with the support of the Traffic Police, the City Hall of Bălți, and students from Vocational School No. 4 in Bălți, led by Professor Oleg Gherasimciuc.

This large-scale campaign aims to raise awareness among drivers and passengers that wearing a seatbelt is the simplest yet most effective way to protect their lives and physical integrity. The campaign targets several cities across Moldova and has already been implemented in Comrat (see details: http://www.saferoads.md/romana/update_may_10_2012.html).

The campaign follows a study conducted by ACM regarding the level of seatbelt use. At several intersections in Bălți, observations were made on a sample of 1,400 vehicles. The results revealed that only 46% of drivers use a seatbelt while driving. Among front-seat passengers, only 28% travel with their seatbelt fastened. For rear-seat passengers, the percentage drops to just 7%.

By gender, the study shows that in Bălți, men are more likely to wear seatbelts (43%) compared to women (34%).

Thus, representatives of the Traffic Police in Bălți checked compliance with the legal obligation established by road traffic legislation for both drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Those who were not wearing a seatbelt were given the option to test a device simulating a frontal collision at a speed of 30 km/h, demonstrating the necessity of using a seatbelt while traveling in a vehicle, instead of receiving a fine.

Through this initiative, the organizers aimed to show participants that seatbelts protect the lives and health of drivers and passengers because:

• They prevent the head area from hitting hard objects (dashboard, steering wheel, windshield, etc.).
• They stop occupants from hitting each other or being thrown out of the vehicle.
• They enable the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, reducing the risk of additional collisions.

Participants received informational brochures about the importance and correct use of seatbelts (download the brochure here: http://www.saferoads.md/roPMA.pdf).

The device was also tested by the mayor of Bălți, Mr. V. Panciuc, who admitted that although he does not always wear a seatbelt, like many others, the test convinced him to start using it regularly.

Subsequently, the Head of the Police Section, Mr. Veaceslav Tudor, explained that “approximately 95% of people who wear seatbelts while traveling in a vehicle can save their lives in the event of a road accident, or their injuries will be much less severe.” Natalia Stavnicii, an ACM representative, emphasized that this is a serious issue in our society, and one single action will not guarantee a rapid change in people's mentality, which is why periodic repetition is necessary to bring about change.

The Automobile Club of Moldova recommends that drivers always use their seatbelt, regardless of the road or circumstances, and ensure that all passengers are buckled up!