From a road safety perspective, the summer months are among the most dangerous of the year. Holidays, longer journeys, heavier traffic, hot weather, driver fatigue and a more relaxed attitude behind the wheel all contribute to an increased risk of road traffic accidents. To help reduce that risk, the Slovenian police are launching the #RoadSafetyPledge campaign at the beginning of July, encouraging all road users to make a personal road safety pledge and keep it throughout the month.
The campaign invites all road users to identify one behaviour that puts themselves or others at risk and commit to changing it.
On 1 July 2026, Robert Vehovec, Head of the Traffic Police Division at the General Police Directorate, presented the campaign and highlighted the main road safety challenges during the summer months. He also shared key statistics, outlined the most common causes of serious road traffic accidents and explained the Police's enforcement activities during the peak tourist season.
"The idea behind the campaign is simple," said Vehovec. "Everyone can identify one behaviour that increases the risk on the roads and commit to changing it. One decision, one journey and one good habit can help make our roads safer for everyone."
"We know that awareness campaigns alone will not reach everyone. That is why the Police will continue carrying out traffic enforcement throughout the summer, focusing on the most common causes of the most serious road traffic accidents and helping to improve road safety," he added.
Why make a pledge?
Road safety depends not only on enforcement, warnings and regulations, but also on the everyday choices made by individual road users. Through #RoadSafetyPledge, the Police are encouraging everyone to make a personal commitment to safer behaviour on the road throughout July. This could mean driving within the speed limit, putting your mobile phone away while driving, setting off in good time and well rested, never driving under the influence of alcohol, paying greater attention to motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, or simply being more patient behind the wheel.
The campaign also introduces a series of humorous road safety characters, including Moto Gonzales, Leadfoot, Taster and Multitasker, each representing common risky behaviours that many drivers will recognise in themselves. Whether it's rushing, running late, checking the phone, trying to do too many things at once or becoming overconfident, these characters highlight everyday habits that can increase the risk of an accident. The aim is not to make light of road safety, but to help people recognise and change behaviours that often lead to serious consequences. A number of well known public figures are also supporting the campaign by sharing their own #RoadSafetyPledge and encouraging others to behave responsibly on the roads.
Road users can make their pledge on the #ROADSAFETYPLEDGE website (available in Slovenian only).
Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of the most serious road traffic accidents, including during the summer months. Other major contributing factors include driving on the wrong side of the road or in the wrong direction, failing to yield the right of way, failing to maintain a safe following distance, using a mobile phone while driving, fatigue, reduced concentration, failing to wear a seatbelt or protective helmet, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances.
"When these factors are present together, they can significantly increase both the risk of an accident and the severity of its consequences," said Vehovec. "This is clearly reflected in road traffic statistics. Last July alone, 25 people lost their lives on Slovenian roads. That is why we deliberately chose 1 July as the launch date for this campaign."
Set off in good time, well rested and fully focusedThe Police advise all road users to plan their journeys carefully, set off in good time and make sure they are well rested and remain fully focused before getting behind the wheel. Before travelling, they should check traffic information, allow for delays and leave themselves plenty of time to reach their destination. Drivers should always adjust their speed to the speed limit, road and traffic conditions, and their own driving ability. They should keep a safe following distance, avoid using a mobile phone while driving, always wear a seatbelt or protective helmet where required, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Drivers should also pay particular attention to vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, e-scooter riders and moped riders. Their numbers increase significantly during the summer, making it even more important for drivers to remain alert, patient and predictable. |
Prevention and enforcement go hand in hand
Throughout the summer, the Police will continue targeted enforcement operations focusing on the most common causes of serious road traffic accidents. Particular attention will be paid to speeding, drink and drug driving, mobile phone use, safe following distances, the use of seatbelts and protective helmets, and the safety of vulnerable road users.
Police officers will also continue to manage traffic on motorways, particularly on sections affected by roadworks. Vehovec urged everyone travelling on Slovenian motorways this summer to drive responsibly through roadwork areas. Careful and considerate driving not only protects those carrying out the works but also helps traffic flow more safely and smoothly, improving the chances that everyone reaches their destination safely.
Road safety, however, begins long before any police officer steps in. It starts with the decisions each of us makes every time we get behind the wheel: to obey the speed limit, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, keep our phones out of reach and show consideration for other road users. The Police are therefore inviting everyone to join the #RoadSafetyPledge campaign. Choose your pledge. Keep your promise. Help make this summer's roads safer for everyone.
Will you join us? Make your #RoadSafetyPledge today!
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