Statement of Minister of Internal Affairs Danilo Šaranović

In October, during the peak period of the summer tourist season, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is implementing the national preventive-repressive campaign "Live, Don't Rush," aimed at increasing the safety of all traffic participants, with a clear goal – to save lives and improve safety for everyone on the road. We do this because the purpose of this campaign is not to surprise or punish anyone at all costs, but to influence behavior change, encourage drivers to slow down, respect regulations, and arrive safely at their destinations. Analyses by the Ministry of Internal Affairs show that over 75% of drivers involved in fatal traffic accidents are repeat offenders of the most serious traffic violations. Speeding, overtaking in prohibited areas, driving under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances, using mobile phones while driving, and not wearing seat belts remain the most common causes of severe accidents. Therefore, during the campaign, the police will conduct daily intensified controls on the most frequented routes and locations identified as high-risk through analysis, and the public will be timely informed about the control schedules and results of the activities. Although the number of issued violation tickets has significantly increased and police activities have been further intensified through increased controls and repressive measures, the consequences in traffic remain serious, clearly indicating the need for even stronger action and greater responsibility from all participants on the road.