The car "Khadi 34" to the masses! The motor race HNADU-2011

«Ukrainian future safety!»
 «Youth for road safety!»

    Under these slogans the motor race was initiated by the students of Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University for the fourth time. Destination: Simferopol - Evpatoria - Sebastopol - Feodosia - Kerch - Simferopol. Dates: from 9th to 16th October.

Here are the main topic presentations and discussions at round tables and street actions:

-"Global road safety problems";

-"Energy efficiency and environmental protection. Experience of the team "LSA Khadi Honda" in competition for fuel economy "Shell eco-marathon";

The rally was actively monitored by representatives of the Crimean media from the start to the finish line.

According to the official statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ukraine ranks 49^th among European countries in terms of mortality rate due to road accidents. Every day, about 12 people die in road traffic accidents in Ukraine.

Air contamination by exhaust gases discharged by vehicles reduces life expectancy. The World Health Organization stresses the fact that the impact of smoke in the world has killed 379,000 people (cause - evolving heart diseases), 165, 000 died from respiratory diseases, 36,900 - from asthma and 21,400 - from lung cancer.

Each person, to some extent, is a road user. What can each of us do to improve the situation? Students and the teaching staff of KhNAHU has chosen one of the most effective and promising ways to improve the situation - to inform the population. Therefore, the target audience was pupils and students of technical colleges, vocational schools, because they are to create our future. We organized meetings in classrooms and auditoriums, cultural centers, and squares of towns and cities. Of course, street actions were designed to attract public attention to the issues discussed. Our team members stopped passers-by, struck up conversations, spoke about the existing traffic and ecological problems of Ukraine. By giving examples they proved how seemingly "simple"   rules help to retain health and sometimes people’s lives. Residents of Simferopol were able to convince themselves of that, as they witnessed a road accident that occurred in front of them. At this point, one can say, there’s no comment...

Residents of the Crimea were shocked, puzzled and concerned about the information provided by the participants of the rally. They went home not only with booklets and leaflets but also with ribbons on their arms, which are believed to fulfill three wishes. The green color symbolizes life and at the same time it is the allowing signal of the traffic lights, the emblem and flag of Kharkiv as well as the color of auto race of KhNAHU. It should remind us that our safe future primarily depends on each of us.

It is important to mention that, during the race there were no adults with moralizing reports, but students, young specialists who spoke in a simple and comprehensive language on issues concerning global problems and possible ways of their solution. Such actions, of course, bring people together and enhance confidence. During this marathon, students themselves gained invaluable experience by communicating with their counterparts, working in a team, having an opportunity to observe the situation in regions.

Well, sometimes it is good to have a rest. The team members also made ​​a tour of the marine bays of Sebastopol, the hero city of Kerch, descended into the Adzhimushkay quarry, and climbed Mount Mithridates. On the whole, the journey to the Crimea turned out to be an extensive excursion.

Now, the rally participants and their mentors make plans for carrying out similar activities with enthusiasm and inspiration. In fact, our common cause should be brought to its logical conclusion. If we do not do that, then who will do it?

We’d like to realize the idea of making our lives safe. We can blame the quality of roads and vehicles, but if our minds do not change, if we do not observe traffic rules, to protect our lives and the lives of our children, then nothing will change.