Berta Cabral advocates road safety as cross-cutting priority in public mobility policies - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

The Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, stated this weekend in Lagoa that talking about motorcycles "is not just about mobility but, above all, about risk."

"Addressing risk requires us to talk about prevention, consistent public policies and the importance of shared responsibility," she stressed.

The government official spoke at the session "Motorcycle Road Accidents, Policies and Prevention," as part of the 5th National Forum on Road Safety, Awareness and Prevention for Motorcyclists, promoted by the Bênção dos Capacetes Association at the auditorium of NONAGON - São Miguel Science and Technology Park.

Berta Cabral pointed out that, in the Azores, "road safety has been considered a cross-cutting priority in terms of public mobility policies," noting that the Regional Plan includes specific funds for this area every year.

"Accidents involving motorcycles have long been one of the biggest challenges for mobility and road safety policies," she said, stressing that the issue requires "additional attention from everyone – policy makers, technicians, security forces, instructors and citizens."

According to the government official, it is not just a matter of statistics: "The human, social and family consequences are profound. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of physical protection, reduced visibility in traffic, the intrinsic instability of a two-wheeled vehicle and their high exposure to the road environment. Any mistake — whether their own or someone else's — can have serious consequences."

In recent years, the Azorean Government has stepped up investment in road safety awareness, prevention, education and training campaigns, involving thousands of drivers, with a focus on the groups most at risk.

In 2025, the Regional Sub-directorate for Land Transport participated in several road safety awareness campaigns, developed in conjunction with the Public Security Police (PSP) commands on all islands, covering 1,898 drivers.

The initiatives were part of national campaigns promoted by the National Road Safety Authority, as well as regional actions such as "Zero Alcohol at the Wheel," "Travel without Hurry," "Buckle Up," "Behind the wheel, the phone can wait," and "The best gift is to be present."

The Regional Secretary emphasised that the regional strategy is based on three fundamental pillars: ongoing training, responsible behaviour and adequate traffic conditions.

As for training, she recalled the recent Ordinance that allows licensed driving schools to provide training for obtaining the AM category driving licence, aimed at young people aged 14 to 16.

"This is a critical age for the proper awareness and training of future drivers. We believe that the experience and knowledge of driving schools should be at the service of prevention from the very beginning," she stressed.

Berta Cabral warned against behaviours that continue to cause serious accidents: “Excessive speed, driving under the influence of substances, fatigue, inattention and overconfidence are factors that we must systematically combat. On the road, freedom is only true when it is exercised responsibly.”

Regarding infrastructure, the government official stressed that it cannot be neglected: "The road surface conditions, signage, safe coexistence between modes of transport and extra attention at urban intersections, rural roads and at night are critical aspects for reducing accidents."

The Regional Secretary also highlighted a frequently overlooked issue: "The safety of motorcyclists does not depend solely on motorcyclists. It also depends on the behaviour of other drivers, their attention, safety distance and awareness that we share the road with more vulnerable users."

She concluded: “Promoting road safety is about promoting respect for human life. Every helmet worn correctly, every piece of protective gear, every decision to reduce speed or anticipate a risk can be the difference between a scare and a tragedy. As government officials, we have a duty to invest in policies that save lives.”