With the aim of raising people’s awareness about the importance of road safety, Porto do Açu supports the Yellow May worldwide movement, which alerts society to the high rate of deaths and injuries in accidents across the world. This year, the theme of the campaign is #MyChoiceMakesTheDifference, to encourage reflections on day-to-day choices that can lead to serious consequences in traffic, such as whether or not to use a cell phone, alcoholic beverages, or a seat belt when driving.
“We made the conscious decision to support this campaign because we are aware of the relevance of the issue of traffic safety, so much so that it is discussed frequently in our dialogues with employees about safety and health. We are committed to debating the issue, reflecting upon attitudes and risks in traffic, and acting as propagators of conscientious driving,” says Vinícius Silva, Occupational Health and Safety Manager at Porto do Açu.
To mobilize employees at Porto do Açu, the image that symbolizes the movement will be distributed to everyone. The yellow ribbon is an invitation for everyone to adopt safer and more responsible behaviors in order to preserve their own lives and those of other citizens. To reinforce the campaign, the company will also distribute pamphlets and hold educational blitzes on company grounds.
“The campaign is more meaningful when it’s shared. It is not enough to make the right choices on the road. It’s also worthwhile to contribute to make sure that those at our side adopt the right attitude. The company’s initiative to support the movement is really cool. We’re also going to get behind this,” said Clayton Nascimento, budget analyst at Porto do Açu.
According to data from the WHO (World Health Organization), in 2009 there were close to 1.3 million deaths reported from traffic accidents in 178 countries. That amounts to 3,000 lives lost per day, making it the ninth-biggest cause of death in the world. Currently, these accidents already represent a cost of US$518 billion a year, or around 1% to 3% of each country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). If no changes are made, the WHO estimates that 1.9 million people will die in traffic in 2020 (becoming the fifth-leading cause of death), and 2.4 million in 2030.
Brazil ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of traffic-related deaths, behind India, China, the US, and Russia, and followed by Iran, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, and Egypt. Together, these 10 countries are responsible for 62% of traffic-accident related deaths in the world. The five main risk factors are driving while intoxicated, speeding, and not using helmets, seatbelts, and child seats.
