OSCE Mission and Kosovo police launch traffic safety campaign

The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Edward Joseph, and the Assistant General Director of Operations of the Kosovo police, Colonel Shefqet Beqaj, launched a traffic safety campaign for both drivers and pedestrians on 28 October 2011.

“Over the last two years, 318 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Kosovo. Think of the tragedy for all their families. This is unacceptable and we all must do our best to bring this number down,” said Joseph. 

“The goal of the campaign is to help prevent traffic accidents and help safe lives. Its messages are simple - buckle up, slow down and pay attention when crossing or walking on the road.”

The campaign will place 12 real-size police car models dubbed Second Patrol on the main roads throughout Kosovo in an effort to raise awareness and encourage drivers to slow down. In addition, 300,000 leaflets in the Albanian, Serbian, Turkish and English languages providing traffic safety tips will be distributed by traffic patrols.

The OSCE Mission is actively helping to develop the security and public safety sector in Kosovo. It assists the police in reaching out to the public through community policing and safety awareness initiatives.

Second Patrol is the third traffic safety campaign supported by the Mission since 2008.