In 2005 there were 400 people killed and 204 seriously injured in traffic accidents on interurban roads, in Catalonia alone (Catalan traffic service figures). In Spain as a whole, these figures reached 3,329 deaths and 1,506 serious injuries. Until recently, experts attributed these tragedies to technical and structural problems, but there is an increasing tendency to point to the human factor as the main cause of accidents.

The seminar series Responsible Mobility, a Challenge for Education in Values will approach this issue from an inter-disciplinary perspective, aiming particularly at those involved in education (schoolteachers, families, associations, driving schools, etc.). The abertis foundation, within the framework of its Road Safety Programme, and the Maria Corral Association for Research on and Dissemination of human values are promoting this seminar consisting of five sessions, to be held every Monday from 27th February to 27th March at CaixaForum.

The aim of these sessions is to provide the audience with knowledge and educators with more tools to approach education for mobility from a perspective focused on social responsibility and values. What level of risk are we prepared to accept when we drive? How can we contribute to the building up of a body of social ethics of mobility? How can we encourage the acquisition of responsible habits? These are some of the questions which psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists and educationalists from all over Spain will attempt to answer. Among the speakers will be authorities in the field such as Rafael Olmos, director of the Catalan traffic service, Javier Elzo, professor of sociology at the University of Deusto, and Luis Montoro, professor of road safety at the University of Valencia and director of INTRAS, the university Traffic and Road Safety Institute.

The series of sessions is an activity which can be accredited as a credit of free choice at the University of Barcelona and is in the process of being approved as a credit of free choice at the University of Lleida. The cycle is also recognised by the Catalan Autonomous Government’s Education Department as a continuing training activity. While the series is particularly addressed to the educational community, it is open to the public in general. Registration is free by calling 93 272 29 50 or via the e-mail address info@ambit.org.es.

This activity is part of the abertis foundation’s Road Safety Programme, which includes four main lines of action: education in schools, promoting road traffic studies, organising specialist conferences and dissemination by producing publications and other materials.

Two Bodies Devoted to Research

The abertis foundation is a body devoted to backing and disseminating research into road safety and the impact of major infrastructures on territory, particularly in terms of the environment, the economy and population.

The Maria Corral Association for Research and Dissemination is an association classified as being of public use, the goal of which is research into and dissemination of human values. It does this through training activities of an interdisciplinary nature, as well as other measures to raise awareness among different social groups.