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Mothers fight against road deaths: Art campaign in Cologne remembers victims
Andrea Radermacher remembers her late son Philipp with a photo project in Cologne. Street art and education for traffic safety.
Mothers fight against road deaths: Art campaign in Cologne remembers victims
In Cologne, an important memorial project is coming into the spotlight that deals with the tragic consequences of traffic accidents. Andrea Radermacher lost her son Philipp in a motorcycle accident on August 21, 2021. The loss of the 24-year-old still weighs on her today, even though she has learned to deal with the pain. But there are days when the grief is overwhelming. She now wants to express these deep feelings in a large, artistic project that not only gives a face to her grief, but also to the memory of all traffic accident victims.
Radermacher is actively involved in “ Crash course NRW ", a police program that is carried out in schools to raise awareness of the dangers of road traffic. The offer is aimed at students from the 10th and 11th grades and has the ambitious goal of sustainably reducing the number of traffic accidents among young adults. Every year, around 550,000 people have accidents in road traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia, including almost 100 young drivers between the ages of 18 and 18 24 years of fatal accidents.
A creative approach to commemoration
For her memorial project, Radermacher has invited the Italian photographer Maria Greco Naccerato, who will take photos in Cologne on June 13th, her son's birthday. The art campaign is supported by the well-known street artist JR, who will later present the images as large posters on the Pont D’Iéna in Paris. Particular attention is paid to the emotional impact and fate of those left behind. JR was hired by the Association Antoine Alleno commissioned to support the families of accident victims.
The “Crash Course NRW” program uses emotional reports from those affected and haunting images to illustrate the causes of traffic accidents. This method is intended to show participants the risks of road traffic and how ignoring traffic rules leads to preventable tragedies. Those involved learn from firefighters, emergency services and doctors about the devastating consequences of a traffic accident. A clear focus is that risky behavior on the road not only endangers your own life, but also the lives of others.
Road safety for young drivers
According to the Accident research by insurers Young drivers represent a main risk group in German road traffic. Although there has been a positive trend in the number of accidents in recent years, the risk of accidents for young drivers remains high. Initial driving behavior, combined with a risk-taking lifestyle, regularly leads to dangerous situations. Suggestions to further reduce risk include extending the probationary period from two to three years and banning alcohol for drivers under 21.
The photo shoot will take place on June 13th and 14th at the Brodesser Funeral Home in Weiß. The photographer will be on site on Friday from 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 3 p.m. to give those affected a voice and to record the stories of those who died in the accident. This project not only provides a strong visual commemoration, but also raises awareness of the pressing issue of road safety, especially for young people. A good knack for clarification seems to be essential here in order to prevent further tragedies.