by InTrieste
Interview: Trieste police chief, Lilia Fredella; FVG councilor for safety, Pierpaolo Roberti
As thousands gather in Trieste for the annual Barcolana regatta, Italy’s State Police have launched two public awareness campaigns focused on road safety and digital responsibility.
The initiatives, presented Friday morning at a joint press conference by representatives of the Questura (Police Headquarters), the Prefecture, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, the Municipality of Trieste, and the Automobile Club d’Italia, aim to use the city’s most popular event as an opportunity to promote prevention and education.
“We wanted to take advantage of the Barcolana and the large presence of people in the city to deliver important messages about safety,” said Trieste Police Chief Lilia Fredella.
The first campaign centers on road safety, featuring the Pullman Azzurro — a mobile educational unit equipped with a driving simulator and virtual reality headsets. The tool allows participants to experience how perception and reflexes are impaired under the influence of alcohol or other substances. “It really shows how dangerous it is to drive in such conditions,” Fredella explained.
The second initiative, titled “Una vita da social” (“A Life on Social Media”), is run by the Cybercrime Division of the Italian State Police, also known as the Postal Police. The project focuses on raising awareness among young people about the responsible use of social networks and electronic devices.
“We live in a society where using social media and digital tools has become normal,” Fredella noted. “It’s essential that we educate the younger generation on how to use them safely and consciously.”
Both campaigns will be active throughout the Barcolana weekend, offering interactive demonstrations and information sessions to residents and visitors across Trieste’s waterfront.
