Friday, May 30, 2025, promises to be a red-letter day for the drivers (and survivors) of Heraklion’s traffic circus. At precisely 19:00, the Network of Partner Agencies in Fortezza will roll out its “I Love Life, I Travel Safely” Road Safety Event at the Fortezza Athletic Center—a title that suggests optimism, or at least a desire to reduce ambulance response times. The Region of Crete is backing the operation, presumably because someone in government still believes in miracles.
This gathering isn’t just for thrill-seeking children and anxious adults. The mission: educate, awaken, and nudge the local community toward actually following basic road rules because a “culture of safe driving” sounds loftier than “please stop running red lights.” In truth, the real drama happens at the roundabout.
Learning From the School of (Not So) Hard Knocks
Who said traffic safety couldn’t be fun? Or at least mildly terrifying in a controlled environment. Attendees can expect:
- A sobering talk by Ioannis Lionakis, president of the Volunteer Association for Road Accident Prevention (E.SY.PRO.TA), titled “Road Safety: A Matter of Life.” Expect vivid reminders that Google Maps can’t reroute around recklessness.
- A FORUM Theater piece, “If I Follow the Rules, I Arrive Safe,” directed at both kids and grown-ups—because apparently, some people need to see fake accidents to avoid real ones. Directed by the local drama squad from the Fortezza Cultural Association, with Dimitra Partali and Angeliki Stavrakaki pulling double duty as both actors and last-minute psychologists.
- A rousing interlude from the Children’s and Youth Choir of Heraklion. Who knew road safety slogans had tunes?
And for those feeling exceptionally adventurous:
- Crash simulator rides (because nothing says “Friday fun” like a taste of whiplash).
- Drunk-driving simulation goggles. Now, you, too, can walk in the shoes of that guy who thinks stop signs are optional.
- Vehicle extrication demos for anyone who’s ever wondered how the fire brigade gets people out of a crumpled Fiat.
- Emergency First Aid workshops. Some will faint by the third slide.
- Interactive games, creative workshops, and educational material. Because even the most stubborn drivers need arts and crafts.
Full details and schedule at the official Region of Crete page.
The Usual Suspects: Who’s At the Helm
This exercise in civic responsibility sees significant participation. Among the bravest:
- Heraklion Traffic Police is ready to explain—once again—why turn signals exist.
- National Emergency Center (EKAV), the people you never want to see on the road but are glad exist.
- LaHeRS, for those obsessed with health behavior studies.
- EER.SG, the hands-on experience squad.
- Hellenic Red Cross, who probably attend more traffic crashes than weddings.
- Medically-inclined bee enthusiasts (no, that’s not a typo).
- 7th Regional Health Authority and the Alcohol Network.
- SOS Road Crimes Crete Group, a name that leaves little to the imagination.
- Heraklion’s 7th Junior High School, for good measure.
The event’s timing coincides with European Public Health Week, making it the only time this year when traffic and “wellness” will be mentioned in the same sentence.
Foolproof Steps or Traffic Pantomime? (Bullet Points No One Should Ignore)
- Teach kids and adults not just that traffic rules exist, but maybe—just maybe—why.
- Raise awareness about the everyday hazards on the road.
- Remind parents and drivers that responsible driving is not just a suggestion.
- Blend forces across agencies for maximum safety appeal.
- Rope in the public to care about safer streets, if only for a few hours.
Local institutions—from elementary schools to parents’ associations—are cheering from the sidelines. The Cultural Association, St. Eumenius Parish, prevention centers, and a merry band of caregivers all signed up, leaving only local cats uncommitted.
As one local driver noted with deadpan sincerity, “I just want to go to the bakery in one piece. If a choir helps, so be it.” A pedestrian was heard murmuring, “If these drivers learned as much about brakes as they do about raki, this island would be much safer.”
Ioannis L. summed it up: “Road safety is not a luxury—it’s survival.”
The radio partners—Family Radio and the Archdiocese’s station—will be humming with public-service jingles long after the crash simulators are packed away.
