The government made the proposal in its sponsored amendment to a motion by the parliamentary Domestic Policy and National Security Committee and the Committee on Maritime Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure that a national day without mobile phones in traffic be proclaimed.
Mobile phones one of four causes of road accidents
The parliamentary committees made the proposal in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians using mobile phones in traffic and in an effort to increase safety on the roads and decrease the number of accidents caused by using mobile phones in traffic.
Explaining its decision to amend the proposal, the government underlined that the use of mobile phones in traffic is one of four causes of road accidents (along with speed, alcohol and the lack of use of passive safety systems).
Hence, taking into consideration the serious injuries that occur due to the lack of respect for different traffic regulations and in the aim of raising road traffic participants' awareness of dangers and pointing out the need for their education and respect of traffic culture and developing empathy, the government recommends that October 21 be proclaimed "National Road Safety Day."
Last year, and figures are similar this year, of the total number of road deaths, speed was the cause of every second deadly accident (49.9% of cases).
Twenty percent grave injuries were incurred in road accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
Ten percent of deaths on the road resulted due to not wearing a seat belt, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said.