Road safety is one of the most critical issues in any region, especially in places with a particular geomorphology, such as Kefalonia. With narrow roads in many places, many bends and infrastructures that often do not meet modern needs, the training of young drivers becomes even more important. But what is the situation in this particular region?
To see the real picture of driving in Kefalonia, we talked to three professional driving instructors: Spyros Loukatos, Thodoris Damoulianos and Eleni Ladas. With decades of experience, the three shared their views on the training of young drivers, the challenges faced by instructors, the state of the road network, and the driving behaviour of both locals and visitors. Their views shed light on the problems, shortcomings and possible solutions, offering an overall picture of driving on the island.
The training of new drivers: Necessary changes
Spyros Loukatos, owner of a driving school in Argostoli, has been active since 2001 and notes that "the training of young drivers has not changed at all over the years". As he points out, "there should have been many interventions, both in the theory book and in the practical part of the exams". A similar view is expressed by Mr Thodoris Damoulianos, who has 32.5 years of experience, being the owner of driving schools in Argostoli and Lixouri: "The manual changed somewhat in 2002 and became more detailed, but the test remains the same. One parking, one backing up... it's a standard procedure. I think it's not the best." He suggests adding additional tests to the exam, such as driving at night, in order to get new drivers out on the roads more prepared.
It is worth noting that Mr.Loukatos suggests that importance should be given to the psychological preparation of the student.
Ms. Lada, with 23 years of experience in the field, as the owner of a driving school in Lixouri, stresses the need to introduce road and traffic education in schools: "The child must learn from an early age how to scooter, bike, learn how to walk safely on the road. If we don't learn from children, we will never be good drivers." Mr Loukatos agrees and proposes "a permanent traffic education course from kindergarten", while Mr Damoulianos suggests frequent training and the inclusion of road safety seminars in schools. In fact, all three of them share a common stance highlighting the need for the state to invest in children's driving education.
The role of parents in education
At the same time, a serious issue identified by driving instructors is the attitude of parents towards their children's education. He says that in the past parents used to say to the driving instructor "I want you to teach my child to drive well, to become a safe driver on the roads". Today, however, they are content with the basics, saying "Do the basics and I will teach him later". As a result, many young people are driving without having acquired the necessary experience.
Mrs Lada adds that "unfortunately many parents today are more interested in the financial part than in teaching their child to drive properly. This is unfortunate". As she points out, "there are children who want to finish their education properly and others who are not interested". Mr. Lukatos agrees, saying that "the poor judgment of parents is evident from the question we often hear: "How much is the diploma?" He points out that "a diploma is not just a piece of paper, but a lifetime diploma."
The state of the road network in Kefalonia
All the trainers agree that the road network of Kefalonia is problematic. Mr Damoulianos describes it as "poorly maintained" and mentions the road Lixouri - Argostoli as an example, saying that it has narrow roads with no road markings and poor signage, while drivers must be particularly careful as it is a route where unexpected things can happen, such as unaccompanied animals moving freely. A similar picture is described by Mrs Lada: "Most of the asphalt pavements are old, the tarmac does not have the same grip when it rains". In addition, the roads are full of potholes, without proper marking and markings, which are also detrimental to the 'health' of vehicles. In fact, Mr Loukatos adds that "damage to vehicles is constant".
The driving behaviour of residents
Regarding driving behaviour, the trainers report that there are significant problems. Mr Damoulianos stresses that "it is experience that makes you a driver, not a licence" and explains this statement by saying that "young drivers cannot appreciate that 30 km/h can be dangerous. When they do understand it, it can be too late". At the same time, he stresses that it is a matter of character and education how a person behaves on the road, and referring to the summer traffic, he chides tourists who stop their vehicles wherever they find them to take a picture of a sight or a herd of animals, as it can prove to be a dangerous decision.
Lada notes that "the driving behaviour of locals is often worrying - as in any other part of the world - and argues that "there should be a way for all drivers to take some kind of lifelong training". On the other hand, Mr Loukatos observes that "Kefalonians are road literate, but in the summer, with increased traffic, irritation is intense and to be expected".
Suggestions for improvement
Trainers agree that significant interventions are needed to improve road safety. Mr Loukatos stresses the need to focus on education. Mr Damoulianos suggests introducing traffic education courses in schools, while Ms Lada argues that "the State must provide continuous information and control of drivers".
In addition, improvements to the road network are requested: "They need barriers, mirrors, better signage and markings," says Mr Loukatos. Mr. Damoulianos advised that "safe driving requires careful movements, low speeds, correct positioning on the road and risk assessment." It is worth noting that Mr Loukatos stresses the need to create infrastructure for safe training of motorcyclists: "The state has not given us a track to test on. We use a football field for slalom, which is unacceptable and dangerous".
The statistics are inexorable... for all of Greece
Road safety is a serious issue throughout Greece. According to traffic police data, in 2024, 998 speeding offences were recorded every day, while 90 drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. At the same time, 50 drivers violated a red light, while another 50 saw their driving licence revoked due to the use of a mobile phone while driving.
From the beginning of the year to the end of November, traffic checks increased by 35%, reaching a total of 6.2 million checks. These figures show that traffic offences are widespread and a significant risk factor on the road network. In particular, there was an increase of 26% in speeding offences, 21% in drink-driving offences and 31% in traffic light offences.
The statistics on road accidents are also disheartening. In 11 months, 9,648 accidents were recorded, of which 525 were fatal. The death toll reached 559, while 478 people were seriously injured. Attica recorded the highest number of accidents, with 5,684 incidents, although the region recorded a slight downward trend. In contrast, regions such as Central Greece and Western Greece continue to have high rates of road accidents, with 45 and 44 fatalities respectively by the end of November.
Conclusion
The issue of road safety in Kefalonia requires immediate and substantial interventions. From the deficiencies in the road network to the training of young drivers, the challenges are many and complex. As the driving instructors point out, reinforcing traffic education from an early age, more rigorous and effective practical training and improving infrastructure are key steps towards a safer future on the island's roads. In addition, changing the mindset of both young and more experienced drivers is crucial. Responsibility on the road is not just about the driving test for a licence, but about our overall behaviour as drivers and citizens. Cooperation between instructors, the state and society is essential to ensure that the roads of Kefalonia are not only scenic but also safe for all.
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