Latest News

Dear friends,

The Road Safety Institute (RSI) “Panos Mylonas” was founded 20 years ago, in response to the tragic and unjust loss of my son, Panos. From the very beginning, RSI has been wholeheartedly committed to a shared life goal: the prevention of road crashes and the creation of a world without traffic fatalities. This is our vision and our ongoing commitment to society.
A substantial reduction in road fatalities cannot be achieved without the collaboration of the State, institutions, organizations, and citizens. Road Safety is a collective responsibility that requires both individual accountability and coordinated action.

As part of the "Driving Change: Towards Safe and Sustainable Mobility" program, implemented with the support of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), RSI recently conducted a naturalistic observation study of road user behavior across three types of road networks (urban, rural, and highways) in three different geographic areas: Attica, Crete, and Euboea. Over 16,000 vehicles were recorded, aiming to document the actual behavior patterns of drivers and passengers on Greek roads.

The findings are particularly concerning:
• Overall seatbelt usage reaches only 54%, with just 21% usage in back seats.
• Helmet use among motorcycle riders is at 75%, but only 46% of passengers wear a helmet.
• Mobile phone use while driving is at 13% and rising, especially among drivers traveling alone.
Greece still ranks first in the EU in motorcycle rider fatalities. These figures are not just statistics. They represent lives lost, grieving families, and wounded communities.
Traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5–29, and one of the primary causes of premature death in our country. This situation cannot and must not continue.

RSI actively supports the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 by the World Health Organization, as well as the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing Road Safety as an integral part of public health and sustainable development.
Our vision aligns with the “Vision Zero” strategy, which aims to completely eliminate road deaths and serious injuries. Achieving this requires strong political will, social participation, and systematic, evidence-based action.

We call on all stakeholders, the State, local authorities, the educational community, businesses, and civil society, to join forces in a cohesive National Action Plan, including:
• Enhanced enforcement and monitoring, utilizing modern technologies (AI-based detection of seatbelt, helmet, and mobile phone use).
• Holistic education and awareness, from school-age children to society at large, with respect for local particularities.
• Targeted partnerships with municipalities, companies, and other entities to strengthen Road Safety.
• Systematic monitoring, evaluation, and publication of Road Safety indicators.
• Establishment of measurable national targets for 2030:
o Increase seatbelt usage to ≥85%
o Reduce mobile phone use while driving to <5%
o Achieve ≥90% helmet use among all motorcycle users
o Reduce road fatalities by 50%

Our country has the knowledge, tools, and scientific evidence to make real progress. What we need is unity, dedication, and responsibility from everyone.
Road Safety is not a choice, it is a duty, a matter of life.

RSI “Panos Mylonas” remains steadfast in its mission and is fully committed to our shared goal. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders and society to create safer roads.

Let us turn our common vision into action. Because life doesn’t offer a second chance.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Road Safety Institute (RSI) ‘Panos Mylonas,’ its dedicated team, and all those who, with commitment, care and strive for the protection of life on our country’s roads.

Sincerely,
Vasiliki Danelli-Mylona
President of the Board
Road Safety Institute (RSI) “Panos Mylonas”