Real cases, strong warnings, and statistics that cannot be ignored
The National Trade High School – Plovdiv marked the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims with a large open lesson combining accurate information, educational highlights, and clearly formulated messages directed at young people. The day, traditionally observed during the third week of November, brought together students, teachers, and representatives of the District Prosecutor’s Office – Plovdiv and the Ministry of Interior – Plovdiv.
Among the guests were Deputy District Prosecutor Rumyana Zaykova-Kaleeva, Inspector Atanas Totkov from the “Traffic Police” sector, and the public relations representatives of both institutions – Aneliya Vlakhkinova (MoI) and Boryana Dimitrova (Prosecutor’s Office).
Aneliya Vlakhkinova spoke about the difficult moments when the Ministry of Interior must deliver news of severe road incidents – information behind which stand human tragedies and destinies. Her words highlighted the real weight and consequences of behavior on the road.
Inspector Atanas Totkov emphasized one of the most widespread risk factors – distraction behind the wheel, especially due to mobile phone use. He noted that in practice, the most severe incidents often occur within just a few seconds of inattention. He shared cases from his field experience and pointed out the risks of riding electric scooters and bicycles, as well as the importance of knowing and following the rules whether a student is a pedestrian, passenger, or young driver.
The students actively participated with questions and comments, and Inspector Totkov gave them specific guidelines for safe behavior in various situations.
Deputy District Prosecutor Rumyana Zaykova-Kaleeva presented the prosecutor’s perspective on investigating serious road traffic accidents. She spoke about the responsibility of road users, the procedures in such cases, and the fact that a single misjudgment can lead to long-term legal and personal consequences. She shared examples from judicial practice clearly showing the link between behavior on the road and subsequent legal actions.
Presentation of statistics
The statistical data were presented by Inspector Totkov. According to information from the Traffic Police, since the beginning of the year in Plovdiv and the region, there have been:
- 439 serious road traffic accidents
- 38 fatalities
- 524 injured
The data served as a starting point for discussing why it is necessary for every participant in traffic to demonstrate high responsibility.
The dialogue between the students, the prosecutor, and the inspector was open, substantive, and meaningful – a valuable moment within the school environment.
Student creativity as part of the educational process
During the lesson, student-made posters and video clips created within the initiatives of the NTG Road Safety Commission were presented.
The projects impressed the guests with their maturity, depth, and clearly expressed messages. The Deputy District Prosecutor and Inspector Totkov expressed sincere admiration for both the artistic presentation and the accuracy of the analyses made by the students, stating their desire for the posters and videos to be used in educating students in other schools as well.
The awarded students are:
Posters:
- Stefan Dzhidzhev – 10 G class
- Maya Varshilova – 11 B class
- Ashli Chinchinova – 10 V class
- Simona Petrova – 8 Zh class
Videos:
- Viktoria Shishkova – 9 Z class
- Nikoleta Angelova – 9 Z class
- Marinela Kodzhanikolova – 9 Z class
- Georgi Georgiev – 9 Z class
Special participation:
- Radina Mareteva – 8 Zh class – participant in a Prosecutor’s Office road safety film
The Student Council – an inseparable part of the tradition
This year again, the NTG Student Council supported the initiative by actively participating in promoting and organizing the activities related to observing the Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
The event was moderated by the Deputy Director for Educational and Creative Activities, Iskra Koycheva, who extended the official invitation to the institutions on behalf of the school administration. Thanks to active communication and thorough preparation, the open lesson became not just another lecture, but a meeting that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
