Father of Gaia von Freymann Urges Rome to Prioritize Road Safety
Rome, May 10 – Edward von Freymann, the father of Gaia von Freymann, a sixteen-year-old tragically killed in a road accident on Corso Francia in December 2019, has once again voiced his impassioned plea for greater road safety awareness and prevention in Rome. Speaking on the recurring issue of road fatalities, von Freymann highlighted the alarming statistics and the need for a fundamental shift in attitudes towards driving.
A Father’s Unwavering Mission: Saving Lives Through Education
Gaia and her friend Camilla Romagnoli were struck and killed by a car driven by Piero Genovese, who was subsequently convicted. Despite the personal tragedy, von Freymann has dedicated himself to advocating for road safety, often addressing young people. “Often, when I talk about road safety to young people, they look at me as if I were an alien, but at the end of the meetings, they come to hug me with tears in their eyes: they understand that I am there to save them. For me, they are all Gaia,” he stated, underscoring the impact of his message.
The Critical Role of Seatbelt Use and Parental Responsibility
According to von Freymann, a crucial aspect of road safety often overlooked is the consistent use of seatbelts, even in the back seats. He cited alarming data from his foundation, revealing that 90 percent of the 15,000 young people interviewed over five and a half years admitted to not using rear seatbelts. He placed significant blame on parents who allow their children to forgo buckling up, calling it a “serious error.” To illustrate the danger, his foundation uses crash test images showing the fatal consequences of an unbelted passenger impacting the driver during a collision at 70 km/h.
Combating Drunk and Drugged Driving: A Persistent Threat
Another critical area of concern for von Freymann is the prevalence of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He recounted participating in a police roadblock between 1 AM and 5 AM, where out of 24 drivers stopped, eleven tested positive for significant impairment. “They are ticking time bombs,” he asserted, drawing a parallel to the driver who killed his daughter and Camilla, who had a blood alcohol level of 1.4, far exceeding the legal limit for a new driver, and had previously had his license suspended. He also noted with sadness that neither the driver nor his parents have ever reached out to him.
Addressing Prevention and Resource Allocation
Von Freymann questioned the adequacy of prevention efforts, particularly given the substantial costs incurred by the state due to accidents involving fatalities and injuries. He revealed that a company, Forensic Lab Service, will donate a mobile laboratory for roadside testing to his foundation, which will then be provided to a local Rome police unit. “It costs 9,000 euros: is it possible – I ask myself – that such sums cannot be invested to equip patrols with tools that can immediately stop those who drive drunk or drugged, instead of having to take them to the hospital every time?” he pondered, highlighting a perceived lack of investment in immediate intervention tools.
Reforming Driver Education and Promoting Rule Adherence
Beyond enforcement, von Freymann emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of driver education. He believes that the mandatory hours for driving school are insufficient and that the teaching methodology should be modified beyond simply driving around a block with an instructor. He also stressed the importance of understanding vehicle safety features, such as airbags, which can cause serious injuries if seatbelts are not worn, or if passengers adopt unsafe habits like placing their feet on the dashboard. “Respect for rules is at the basis of road safety,” he concluded.
The ongoing efforts of Edward von Freymann and his foundation serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of road accidents and the persistent need for collective action to ensure safer roads for all, particularly the youth of Rome.
