Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region launches “brake the risk” traffic safety campaign

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region organized a series of traffic safety awareness events under the slogan “Brake the Risk” as part of ongoing efforts to reduce road accidents and promote safer transportation habits among young people.

The educational activities were held on May 15 in Iasmos and on May 18 in Sapes. The initiative was coordinated by the Region’s Directorate General of Transport and Communications in cooperation with the Rhodope Directorate of Transport and Communications.

Designed primarily for elementary and middle school students, the events took the form of interactive educational festivals focused on practical traffic safety training.

Students visited thematic stations in groups, where they received hands-on instruction on key road safety topics, including responsible behavior for pedestrians and drivers, the proper use of seat belts and helmets, risk awareness in traffic, and safe bicycle riding practices. The sessions featured simulations, presentations, practical demonstrations, and role-playing activities to help reinforce safety awareness.

The campaign was carried out in collaboration with the municipalities of Iasmos Municipality and Maronia-Sapes Municipality, local police departments, the Youth and Volunteering Center of Komotini Municipality, the Hellenic Red Cross, and regional education directorates.

Among the officials attending the events were Deputy Regional Governor for Transport, Communications and Citizen Services Best Practices İrfan Hacigene, Rhodope Deputy Regional Governor Emmanouil Tapatzas, and Director General of Transport and Communications Pantelis Delidis.

The event in Iasmos was also attended by Caner İmam and deputy mayors, while the program in Sapes included participation from Apostolos Ioannou, Deputy Regional Governor Nikos Efkarpidis, and Regional Council Member Ahmet Osman Pehlivan.

Officials stated that the enthusiasm and active participation shown by students, along with positive feedback from teachers and parents, demonstrated the success of the initiative. Regional authorities also emphasized that traffic safety campaigns will continue in an effort to minimize road accidents across the region.