19/09/2019

Course for instructors works towards safe motorcycle use in Argentina

This new course, tailored to the needs of the region, was carried out over two days of training, debate, and exchange of ideas and was certified by the Argentinian National Agency of Traffic Safety.

According to the Annual Statistical Report of the National Traffic Directory, the traffic mortality rate is 12.3 per 100,000 residents. In the past year in Argentina, more than 5,400 people lost their lives in transportation accidents, of which 43.8% were motorcyclists. In Salta and Jujuy, the percentages were similar: 44.3% and 41.5%, respectively.

“These statistics reflect the necessity of taking action so that stakeholders receive as much information and training as possible and also so that the population is educated about the importance of being cautious, responsible and respectful to the current laws governing travel in automobiles. We trust that the goal of the Gonzalo Rodriguez Foundation that there are no more lives lost due to vehicle accidents is shared by all of society. We are pleased to be able to put our energy into achieving this goal in Argentina and to be having this meeting in Northeast Argentina, which we hope will be the first of many throughout the country,” said María Fernanda Rodriguez, President of the Gonzalo Rodriguez Foundation.

“There is a distorted perception of risk, which causes motorcyclists to minimize essential precautions for avoiding accidents. The idea that because a motorcycle is small, it can move between vehicles without following traffic laws puts motorcyclists and other drivers' lives at risk. In a collision, the body absorbs so much energy and it exponentially increases the possibility of being gravely injured or losing one’s life. It’s crucial to follow the laws,” said Franco Azzato, Technical Coordinator of the Gonzalo Rodriguez Foundation. “This program has an amplifying effect: reaching all the instructors at Licensing Centers in the country also brings us closer to all those who are trying to get a driver’s license,” he added.