Gathered on November 25 at the Prefecture of Jura, the main players in road safety, including Serge Castel, Prefect of Jura, Gérôme Fassenet, President of the Departmental Council, Christophe Roux, Departmental Road Safety Coordinator, as well as the forces of the order, the emergency services, the DIR and AP2R, drew up an uncompromising inventory.
« With 70% of accidents occurring less than 30 kilometers from home, this reflects routine and sometimes lax behavior, which requires us to be more vigilant. », declared the Prefect.
Gérôme Fassenet recalled the role of the Departmental Council in prevention:
« The department is a key player in the management of infrastructure and behavior on the road. We are investing to improve the safety of intersections, dangerous bends and roads used every day. »
A 2024 report marked by worrying figures
The 33 deaths recorded at the end of October already represent an increase of 20% compared to 2023. Furthermore, 190 injuries and 148 accidents were recorded on the network, mainly on departmental roads (61% of accidents). The main causes of accidents remain unchanged: excessive or inappropriate speed (37% of accidents); addictions (alcohol and narcotics), involved in 30% of cases, and inattention, often linked to the use of a cell phone or a regular commute.
Vulnerable users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) represent 39% of victims. Among the 33 deaths, 67% occurred close to home, including 10 within 5 kilometers.
Prevent and raise awareness and act quickly
« Instilling good behaviors from an early age is essential », insisted Gérôme Fassenet. Awareness-raising actions are planned in colleges, with workshops on the risks linked to two-wheelers, alcohol and speed.
The police, for their part, are continuing their efforts on the ground, combining preventive actions and reinforced controls. In 2024, more than 4,500 people will have been made aware of it through educational actions, particularly for vulnerable users, seniors and young drivers. Training is also continuing for law enforcement and emergency services who deal with new types of vehicles.
An ambitious action plan for 2025
The Departmental Road Safety Action Plan (PDASR) provides for several measures to reverse the trend: reinforced controls with the deployment of mobile and itinerant radars on strategic routes such as the RN5; investments in infrastructure: €30 million dedicated to developments such as roundabouts or intersection corrections and targeted awareness-raising: actions aimed at young people, professionals and vulnerable users.
New innovative initiatives will also be tested, such as bus rollover simulators or accident reconstructions to raise awareness among the general public.
The authorities have stressed the importance of general mobilization to reduce accidents. “ Road improvements allow for more peaceful driving, but it is above all the behavior of each individual that remains decisive. », concluded Serge Castel, Gérôme Fassenet and Christophe Roux.
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