by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Caterina de Gavardo, Trieste Councilor for Public Safety Policies; Manuela Consolo, local police commissioner
The Trieste Local Police have been active in schools across the city since the 1970s, gradually developing a structured road safety education program aimed at students of all ages. The initiative, which spans the entire school cycle starting from preschool, is designed to foster responsible citizenship and promote legal awareness through principles of road safety.
The program was highlighted this week during a presentation attended by Caterina de Gavardo, Trieste’s City Councilor for Public Safety, and Maurizio De Blasio, Councilor for Education and Family Policies. Also present were Salvatore Porro, President of the VI Commission, Luciano Momic, Superintendent of the Local Police, and several police officers actively involved in the educational programs.
“The presence of the officers here today is important because they speak with the students and, more importantly, listen to them,” said de Gavardo. “Prevention requires understanding young people’s gaps in knowledge so that interventions can be targeted effectively. Participation in these activities continues to grow each year.”
De Gavardo explained that the lessons are highly interactive, incorporating videos of traffic incidents to prompt discussion about errors and prevention strategies. While the police also conduct educational activities for adults during public events such as the Barcolana regatta, schools remain the primary focus. The program is carried out in collaboration with both internal municipal departments and external organizations, including the Italian Automobile Club (ACI) and the Regional Education Office.
From 2018 to 2023, more than 1,000 classes and over 14,000 preschool students participated in the program, with particular attention paid to both preschool and secondary school students. Lessons for older students are especially critical as they approach the age to obtain a driver’s license. “These young people are still pedestrians now, but soon they will be drivers and active users of the roads,” de Gavardo said. “It’s essential to engage them during this transitional period.”
She added that Trieste’s road accident statistics align with national trends, averaging about five incidents per day, with nearly 900 injuries and seven fatalities recorded in 2025. “When I attend lessons at Magazzino 26, students put away their phones and focus completely,” she said. “The approach used by our officers clearly resonates, and we even receive emails from parents expressing their appreciation for the program.”
Lessons begin from the perspective of pedestrians, who make up about 25 percent of traffic accident victims in Trieste, and cover topics ranging from distracted walking to more complex issues such as hit-and-run incidents, legal alcohol limits, and unsafe smartphone practices while driving.
De Blasio emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. “Effective road safety education requires teamwork,” he said. “Prevention through awareness, active monitoring, and enforcement all work together to produce tangible results. Starting this education in schools helps students understand the consequences of their actions and prepares them for responsible citizenship.”
Superintendent Momic highlighted the long-standing commitment of the Local Police to the initiative, noting its positive impact on both students and families. “This work is necessary and will continue,” he said.
Inspector Maurizio Tavcar outlined recent updates to the program, noting that in 2023 the lessons were restructured into a two-part format inspired by a performance by local artists Maxino and Furian. The first part focuses on interactive discussions and video-based learning, while the second engages students in a quiz format addressing traffic laws, legal principles, and related offenses.
The program reflects Trieste’s ongoing efforts to integrate education, prevention, and community engagement in promoting road safety among the city’s youngest residents.
