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INTERNATIONAL

used to a less than good situation and tolerate campaign with celebrities: a United Nations
it, although there are countries that have really campaign with the number one billboard
decided to put a lot of effort into improving company in the world, which is the JCDecaux,
the situation. I try to make people open their and with the support of Saatchi & Saatchi. And
eyes. It’s not only a government responsibility, we will have about 15 celebrities, who will
it’s also a private sector responsibility, and an encourage people in a thousand cities, in 80
individual user responsibility. countries. The messages will be, “Buckle your
safety belt!” , “Put a quality helmet!” “Respect
I mean, we need to pay more attention and the speed limit!,” “Don’t drink and drive!”
to understand that we are vulnerable, and we “Don’t drive if you are tired!” “Don’t text and
need to understand this before it is too late. drive!” . So, the messages I mentioned to you
We all have a responsibility but road safety are in there. It will be officially launched on
is also a human right and everybody should the 20th of September, in collaboration with
have access to safe transport. the European Commission in Brussels, in the
context of the EU Mobility Week.
So, how do you do that when you go traveling,
for instance? Do you visit schools, meet the This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary
politicians, participate in radio shows? of the safety of the belt. Your native country,
Of course. I meet whomever I can meet. If France, was the first one to make its use
I can meet the president of the country, of compulsory. Why did it happen in France? And
course I will, but I will also meet people at why is it so important to wear a safety belt?
other levels, in government, in the cities, in I must say, the safety belt was a fantastic
the private sector, in NGOs. innovation. The automobile is something
relatively new. Just over 100 years ago, we had
Raising awareness for road safety is key. For few cars. What we had was mostly horses and
the first time, we are soon going to launch a carriages. So, when the car arrived it was of

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