by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Caterina De Gavardo, Trieste Councilor for Public Safety and Local Police; Manuela Cunsolo, Commissioner of the Local Police
At a high school in Trieste, a three-hour workshop on road safety brought students face to face with the realities of driving, combining classroom discussion with firsthand accounts from local police officers.
The session, held at the Carducci-Dante high school and organized by the Municipality of Trieste with regional support, is part of a broader series of initiatives taking place across Friuli Venezia Giulia. Aimed primarily at fourth-year students—many of whom are either newly licensed drivers or preparing to get behind the wheel—the program focuses on prevention through education and direct engagement.
Rather than relying on lectures alone, the workshop uses an interactive format, encouraging students and teachers to participate actively. Local police officers share their on-the-ground experiences, offering insight into the consequences of risky behavior and the importance of responsible decision-making on the road.
The initiative reflects a wider effort to integrate road safety education into schools, pairing theoretical instruction with real-world perspectives. By exposing students to both the rules of the road and the lived experiences of those tasked with enforcing them, organizers hope to foster a deeper understanding of personal responsibility among young drivers.
Programs like this, now a regular feature in schools throughout the region, aim to instill habits that extend beyond the classroom—promoting a culture of safety that can endure over time.
