The “SafeDrive” app, developed by the Italian Club is a tool for young drivers and senior citizens to self-assess their driving skills. The aim is to prevent road accidents, help them monitor their skills over time and compare them with the community of users. The app uses the driver’s reaction times to simple and complex visual and auditory stimuli and compares them with those of a reference population used for the calibration of the app. It takes less than five minutes to complete the test. A numeric result then indicates the user’s suitability or unsuitability to drive. If the user’s performances worsen, the system sends warnings advising more caution in using the car or inviting the user to change his/her lifestyle, by lowering their consumption of alcohol or drugs, even when said drugs are consumed for medicinal purposes, for example.

Along with the app’s development, the ACI plans to implement lessons in driving schools to promote driving in optimal conditions.

In addition, interactive sessions were organised in high schools and universities. Kits simulating drunkenness were used to sensitise young drivers to drink-driving by making them realise that their reflexes diminish after consuming alcohol, and therefore so does their ability to drive safely. During these sessions, the app was introduced to students and alcohol tests were distributed. The first event was organised in Roma during the European Mobility week. Two doctors and teachers from universities presented the project with a focus on the effect of alcohol and drugs.

The success of this valuable project ensures drivers always have access to a self-evaluation tool at any time bringing together technology and an awareness message.

Thanks to this campaign, the ACI hopes to highlight the fact that driving requires specific skills, and cannot be combined with drinking or taking drugs. It also aims to minimise the number of accidents that occur due to certain lifestyle habits.

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