In a creative approach to road safety, a local business owner in Burgohondo, Avila, has employed a mannequin dressed as a Guardia Civil officer to deter speeding drivers. The initiative was sparked when Lori, the owner of a popular establishment, decided to decorate her bar”s entrance to honor the civil guard.
Unexpectedly, as drivers approached the area, many began to slow down, mistaking the mannequin for a real officer. Lori noted that this simple visual trick has significantly improved compliance with speed limits in a region notorious for accidents. “We had issues with drivers not respecting the speed limit, which led to several accidents,” she explained.
Initially intended as a temporary tribute for Guardia Civil Day, the mannequin, affectionately named “Teniente Salazar,” has become a permanent fixture due to its positive impact on local safety. “I received a list of names for the mannequin, and this one resonated with me the most,” Lori shared.
The community has warmly embraced the initiative, with many residents appreciating the added safety measure. “My bar is like a mini-museum, and it fits perfectly in that context,” she remarked. Lori expressed her delight at the mannequin”s reception, stating, “What we have achieved is wonderful,” emphasizing the significant reduction in speeding since the installation.
This imaginative solution highlights the potential for community-led initiatives to address local safety concerns effectively. With the success of “Teniente Salazar,” other neighborhoods may consider similar strategies to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.
