The streets of Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant city known for its rich history and dynamic culture, are facing a perilous challenge that threatens the safety of its residents and visitors alike. Recent data and observations paint a grim picture of road safety in the city, revealing significant problems that demand immediate attention.

Dash cam footage circulating among concerned citizens showcases alarming violations that occur daily on the streets of Cluj-Napoca. In five separate clips, drivers blatantly pass through red lights, showing a flagrant disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. Another clip captures a harrowing moment where a driver ignores pedestrians crossing at a zebra crossing, cutting straight through, narrowly missing them. These incidents are not isolated but indicative of a broader, systemic issue plaguing the city.

Investigations into road safety in Romania, as outlined in comprehensive profiles, confirm that Romania faces substantial challenges, with Cluj-Napoca being no exception. The country has the highest number of fatalities per million inhabitants among EU countries, a statistic that has seen little improvement over the years. Furthermore, the distribution of fatalities reveals a relatively high proportion of pedestrian victims, particularly in urban areas like Cluj-Napoca.

A disturbing trend observed in the city is the prevalent use of mobile phones by drivers, including public transport operators, contributing to distracted driving and increasing the risk of accidents. Despite the clear dangers posed by such behaviours, there appears to be a general lack of attention given to this pressing issue by both the city authorities and the police. The enforcement of traffic laws, especially at busy crossings, seems to be lacking, allowing law-breaking drivers to continue endangering lives with impunity.

In many countries, the implementation of enforcement cameras at intersections has proven effective in deterring drivers from running red lights. These systems automatically issue fines or court summons to car owners, serving as a powerful deterrent and significantly improving road safety. However, such measures seem to be conspicuously absent in Cluj-Napoca, raising questions about the commitment of local authorities to tackling the road safety crisis.

The situation in Cluj-Napoca calls for immediate and decisive action. The data and the daily experiences of the city's residents underscore the urgent need for enhanced enforcement measures, including the introduction of intersection cameras, and a city-wide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of road safety. It is time for the city and police to take concrete steps to address this issue head-on, ensuring that Cluj-Napoca's streets are safe for all who traverse them.

Some Facts

1. High Fatality Rate: Romania has the highest number of fatalities per million inhabitants among EU countries. In 2020, a total of 1,644 people were killed in reported traffic accidents across the country.
2. Slow Progress: Compared to the EU, the rate of decrease in road fatalities in Romania has been significantly slower since 2001. This indicates a longstanding issue with road safety improvements.
3. Urban vs. Rural Disparities: The distribution of fatalities in Romania shows a relatively high proportion of pedestrians and fatalities that occur on urban roads, highlighting the risks faced by city dwellers, including those in Cluj-Napoca.
4. Increasing Motorway Incidents: There has been a strong increase in the number of fatalities and serious injuries on motorways over the past ten years, pointing to rising dangers on faster roads.
5. Aging Vehicle Fleet: The vehicle fleet in Romania is older than the EU average, with a considerable portion of passenger cars being over 10 years old, which could contribute to higher accident rates due to potentially lower safety standards in older vehicles.
6. Pedestrian Risks: Pedestrians represented more than a third of road traffic fatalities in 2020, a percentage much higher than observed for the European Union as a whole (19%).

The community of Cluj-Napoca deserves a safe and secure environment. As these dash cam clips circulate and spark conversation among citizens, they serve as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. It is imperative that all stakeholders, from local authorities to everyday citizens, come together to forge a path toward a safer future for Cluj-Napoca.

Video Source:

The video clips included in this article were sourced from Facebook and posted by members of the group. The video is being used in accordance to fair use and in accordance to the GDPR. If you wish for your name to be listed in video credits, please contact us directly for attribution.