Tragic Accident in Lisbon: A Call for Urgent Traffic Safety Measures

Our City Fails to Protect Pedestrians and Drivers

A tragic incident occurred recently in Lisbon, highlighting the urgent need for traffic calming measures. A person lost their life right outside my door, a stark reminder that no one is safe on our streets. The city has failed to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

The victim was not at fault; they were struck by a car speeding from the Entrecampos roundabout along Avenida das Forças Armadas, despite traffic lights indicating otherwise. This area is notorious for high-speed traffic, with over 1000 cars daily exceeding 70 km/h, making the road one of the deadliest for pedestrians, according to Prevenção Rodoviária Portuguesa.

Since 2022, local residents have voiced their concerns to the Lisbon City Council, presenting a petition with over 700 signatures advocating for concrete safety measures, yet nothing has been done. The irony is that this fatal accident occurred near the very building of the City Hall, where previous tragedies have prompted minimal actions like installing speed cameras.

Simple solutions such as speed bumps, elevated sidewalks, and additional crosswalks could drastically reduce fatalities. We must not continue to excuse these tragedies as mere accidents. An effective city design ensures that recklessness is not the norm.

This issue transcends local governance; it demands a collective response from all who value human life. The city must take responsibility and implement necessary changes to prevent future tragedies.

P.S.:

This piece was written shortly after the incident. The narrative surrounding the victim—often painted as merely a homeless individual—reflects a troubling trend of dehumanization. Regardless of their background, every life is valuable, and the city must protect all its citizens. This is not just about one life lost; it’s about the systemic failures that allow such tragedies to recur.

Witnesses at the scene confirmed that the victim was crossing at the crosswalk, debunking narratives that attempt to blame the victim. The call for empathy and responsibility from our city officials is louder than ever, and we must demand action to prevent future accidents.