Road Safety Concerns Rise in Garda Amid Increased Traffic and Enforcement
Drivers are becoming increasingly unruly on the roads of mid and lower Garda. A concerning situation, especially as the upcoming season appears very promising. With the increase in vehicles, an inevitable rise in danger on the roads will follow. Naturally, these premises also suggest a potential increase in driving discipline issues, leading to unavoidable road accidents. Certainly not forgotten is the recent incident where three German tourists were struck while crossing the roadway near the port of Padenghe. Promptly, the Mayor of Padenghe, Giancarlo Allegri, took personal responsibility towards **Anas**, the road owner, and arranged for proper signage to highlight the pedestrian crossing specially created.
Restrictions and controls on the road
Speed limitations have been in place from Moniga up to the borders with the jurisdiction of the Comune di Lonato, but despite this, vehicles respecting the limits are rarely observed. Recently, a vehicle, due to excessive speed, went off the road near the West Garda curve, crossing the sidewalk and destroying the entire flower bed. At this point, remaining faithful to Allegri’s previous statements, the municipal territory of Padenghe, especially the stretch from the traffic light towards Desenzano, will be regularly monitored by police patrols and, most notably, with the use of notorious speed control devices.
“This is not about persecuting drivers,” explains Police Commander Enzo Dolci, “but rather about ensuring compliance with signage and traffic regulations. Prevention is our goal without being punitive. Of course, for those who are unruly and disrespectful of current laws, sanctions provided by the *Codice della Strada* (Road Code) will be enforced.”
The importance of respecting speed limits
Indeed, very few people actually observe the permitted speed. Maintaining a speed of 60 kilometers per hour can be challenging because the descent and the long straight stretch «invite» drivers, deceivingly, to exceed the imposed limit. Nonetheless, with some effort, speeds can be respected, especially because, as mentioned, exceeding them can painfully impact the wallet.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic, due to the possibility of launching boats, will soon increase steadily, making the crossing of the road more frequent. Special attention is necessary—not only because speed cameras and other monitoring devices might be lurking, but also because pedestrians have the right of way for safe crossing. As the saying used to go: “Forewarned man is forearmed.”
