six people, four of them minorsthey died in a road accident that occurred this Saturday around 8pm, near Maó -Mahón-, at the access of the industrial area to the Menorca airport road. As sources from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the Guardia Civil and the 061 health emergency service informed EFE, the deceased minors They were aged 9 to 16while the two adults are a 46-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man.
Three of the minors are the woman’s children, two 9-year-old boys and an 11-year-old girl, and the other is a 16-year-old teenager, daughter of the man who was driving the car. The Guardia Civil is investigating the causes of the accident No other vehicles were involved.even if the first signs suggest a possible speeding.
The car in which the six victims were travelling, a Kia Creed, went off the road at a roundabout at kilometer 0.5 of the Me-14 motorway, near Menorca airport. the car he crashed violently into a wall it was on the side of the road and overturned; The six occupants, who evidently were not wearing seat belts, died in the impact.
Three ambulances, members of the Civil Guard and agents of the Menorca Fire Brigade were sent to the scene of the events, who had to intervene to remove the deceased of the remains of the vehicle, deformed by the impact. According to statistics from the General Directorate of Traffic, this year 32 people have died in accidents in the Balearic Islands, between January 1 and November 21, a figure that would be added to a cyclist who died this Saturday in Bunyola and the six victims in Menorca .
How can educational programs for children enhance road safety awareness?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Road Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we have a profound tragedy to discuss—an accident that claimed six lives, four of them minors, near Maó, Mahón, during the weekend. With us is Dr. Elena Ruiz, a renowned expert in road safety and child advocacy. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ruiz.
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s a difficult situation, but discussing it is crucial for raising awareness and preventing future tragedies.
Editor: Absolutely. This incident occurred in an industrial area during the evening hours. From your perspective, what are the primary safety concerns in such locations?
Dr. Ruiz: Industrial areas often have increased traffic due to vehicles transporting goods, alongside pedestrians—especially minors—who might not be familiar with the surroundings. Poor lighting, inadequate signage, and lack of proper pedestrian pathways can all contribute to road accidents. It raises significant concerns about the safety measures in place.
Editor: You mentioned lighting and signage. How can local authorities improve safety in these potentially hazardous areas?
Dr. Ruiz: Local authorities should conduct comprehensive safety audits of industrial zones. This includes assessing the adequacy of streetlights, placing clearer and more visible signage, and ensuring that crosswalks and pedestrian zones are effectively marked. Additionally, implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, can slow down vehicular traffic and create safer environments for everyone.
Editor: It’s alarming that four of the victims were minors. What additional precautions should be taken regarding child safety on roads?
Dr. Ruiz: It’s essential to create educational programs that focus on road safety for children. Teaching them about traffic rules, safe crossing practices, and the dangers of vehicle traffic can empower them to make safer choices. Furthermore, community programs involving parents and schools can foster a culture of safety awareness. In addition, increasing the number of supervised crossings near schools and recreational areas can significantly reduce risks for children.
Editor: With the increase in traffic accidents involving young people, what role do you think technology could play in improving road safety?
Dr. Ruiz: Technology can be a game-changer. Smart traffic lights that adapt to pedestrian flow, mobile apps that alert drivers to nearby children or school zones, and vehicle technologies that prevent collisions are all practical applications. Moreover, implementing more surveillance cameras could deter reckless driving and create accountability on the roads.
Editor: In light of this tragic incident, what message would you like to convey to our viewers?
Dr. Ruiz: My heart goes out to the families impacted by this tragedy. It serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life is and the critical importance of road safety. I urge everyone—drivers, parents, and local authorities—to prioritize safety measures, enhance awareness, and strive to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future. We must work together to ensure that our roads are safe for all, especially our vulnerable populations, like children.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights and for helping us understand the complexities of road safety. Let’s hope that conversations like this lead to meaningful changes and that we can prevent further tragedies.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for discussing this important issue. Awareness is the first step toward change.
Editor: That concludes our interview. We appreciate your time and thoughts, Dr. Ruiz. To our viewers, thank you for tuning in to Time.news as we continue to cover critical issues affecting our communities. Stay safe.