Bridgestone launches Think Before You Drive campaign in Turkey
Having already implemented one of the most successful projects for the prevention of traffic accidents in Turkey with the Daytime Running Lights project, Bridgestone has now launched its global “Think Before You Drive” campaign in Turkey at a press conference on Thursday 27 May, just prior to the Turkish Grand Prix.
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Participating in the event was Ahmet Dorduncu, CEO of Sabanci Holding, Hakan Bayman, General Manager of Brisa Bridgestone, Hirohide Hamashima, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport Tyre Development and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver Felipe Massa. In Turkey more than 10,000 people die and material damage equal to TL 15 billion occurs every year due to traffic accidents, highlighting the importance of the Think Before You Drive campaign in this country.
Felipe Massa attended the launch in Istanbul
Bridgestone, alongside the FIA Foundation, is an active partner in the “Think Before You Drive” campaign, a charity established in 2005 by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to promote road safety and the environment. Designed to reduce road fatalities, globally estimated at 1.2 million a year, the “Think Before You Drive” campaign promotes simple road safety messages to drivers and car users, focusing on activities such as using a seat belt, using a child seat, checking head rests and regularly checking tyres, all activities which can reduce the severity of injuries in a crash or even help to prevent a crash occurring.
Ahmet Dördüncü, CEO of Sabancı Holding, says:
“We believe that the most effective and lasting way to prevent traffic accidents is through increasing awareness. Bridgestone aims to run campaigns which inform society of the importance of road safety, because we can significantly reduce the number of road traffic accidents by creating a society full of conscientious drivers and pedestrians. The number of accidents in Turkey resulting in a loss of life or property damage has reached dangerous levels. For this reason, we have introduced the global “Think Before You Drive” campaign. We want to highlight the important health and safety issues all drivers should be aware of before taking to the roads.”
Hakan Bayman, General Manager Brisa Bridgestone, says:
“We need to have a lasting solution rather than saving the day and through this project we will give priority to children and teenagers. We know that the information and training they will receive will contribute to them leading safer lives as drivers in the future. Of course, we will have some activities also intended for drivers as part of the project. We will target children at elementary schools, university students and drivers with the aim that this campaign will create a long term solution.”
Road safety is of vital importance
Scuderia Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa, said:
“I am very pleased to have been able to help Brisa Bridgestone launch the global “Think Before You Drive” campaign in Turkey today. Road safety is an issue that is close to my heart for two reasons: firstly, like Turkey, Brazil faces high levels of road traffic accidents every day and it is important we try to tackle this problem. Secondly, as a new father I can see the vital importance of utilising child seats and using them correctly. Furthermore, as a racing driver, I am very aware of the importance of correct tyre pressure and condition. If through this campaign we are able to save just one life then it is worthwhile.”