Tragic Death Sparks Protest in Lisbon: Families Demand Safer Streets

Protest for Safer Streets in Memory of Afonso Gonçalves

Family and friends of Afonso Gonçalves, a 21-year-old student who tragically lost his life after being hit by a taxi while crossing a pedestrian crossing in Lisbon, are organizing a protest this Saturday. The demonstration aims to demand effective measures to reduce road traffic accidents.

The rally, titled "O Afonso pode salvar vidas!" ("Afonso can save lives!"), will take place at the intersection of Avenida dos Estados Unidos da América and Avenida Rio de Janeiro at 5 PM. Afonso was fatally struck on September 8, 2024, and the taxi driver involved allegedly fled the scene without providing assistance, leading to his arrest and charges of homicide, dangerous driving, and omission of assistance.

Five months after this tragic event, concerned citizens are joining the call for greater safety measures and stricter penalties for those who do not assist victims after an accident. The group “Justiça pelo Afonso” (Justice for Afonso) emphasizes the need for the Lisbon City Council to implement effective strategies to prevent further tragedies, particularly in an area known colloquially as the “death crosswalk” since 1999.

In their statement, the group highlights a dual purpose for the protest: to honor Afonso and all victims of pedestrian accidents, and to initiate a petition for the Assembly of the Republic to discuss increasing penalties for those who flee after causing fatal accidents. They argue that the current law creates an unacceptable paradox where fleeing from an accident can be less penalized than driving under the influence.

The impact of Afonso's death has resonated not only in Portugal but internationally, with tributes in countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Canada. The group is hopeful that the presence of civil society representatives and public entities at the protest will signal a commitment to making Portuguese roads safer and ensuring that justice is served for victims rather than benefiting offenders.

Following Afonso’s death and another fatal accident in the same area, the Lisbon City Council approved a proposal to adopt measures against road accidents, including immediate speed reductions along key roadways. The proposal, titled “Zero deaths on the streets of Lisbon”, includes the establishment of a multidisciplinary team to analyze serious accidents and the installation of speed and red-light cameras in high-risk areas.

The PSD/CDS-PP leadership proposed its own measures to prioritize road safety across the city, but their initiative was overshadowed by the approval of the Livre party's proposal.