In 2026, a group of 60 high school students from Bologna launched a bold road safety campaign titled “Chatta, guida, muori” (“Chat, drive, die”). This initiative aimed to confront the harsh realities of road violence by eliminating euphemisms and directly addressing the consequences of reckless driving. (dire.it)
A Direct Message Without Compromise
The campaign featured stark messages such as “Corri, guida, muori” (“Run, drive, die”), “Chatta, guida, muori” (“Chat, drive, die”), and “Bevi, guida, muori” (“Drink, drive, die”). These phrases highlight the direct link between specific actions—speeding, using a smartphone, or consuming alcohol—and the ultimate consequence: death. By focusing on the driver’s responsibility, the campaign aimed to eliminate victim-blaming and place the onus squarely on those in control of vehicles. (dire.it)
The Role of the Michele Scarponi Foundation
Guiding the students in this awareness campaign was the Michele Scarponi Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting mutual respect in public spaces across Italy. As noted by Marco Scarponi, the foundation’s general secretary: “The starting point of the discussion with students is built around a fundamental principle: no one on the road is a driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, a motorcyclist, or a truck driver, but we are all, first and foremost, people.” (dire.it)
“Il peso di una vita”: The Soundtrack That Invites Reflection
Accompanying the campaign was a powerful soundtrack titled “Il peso di una vita” (“The Weight of a Life”), a song entirely written, performed, and produced by the students of the “Lucio Dalla” Musical High School. The lyrics convey the gravity of reckless driving, with lines like:
“The car is a loaded weapon, you drive it like a pistol.”
This track serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of irresponsible driving. (dire.it)
A Lesson for the Adult World
This campaign stands as a cultural and political manifesto. While governmental reforms often overlook the true priorities for protecting vulnerable road users, these sixty adolescents remind us of the urgency to take our actions seriously when behind the wheel. “Chatta, guida, muori” is not just a shocking slogan; it is an unrelenting mirror held up to a society that considers it normal to drive while looking at a smartphone display. The question remains: will we, as adults, be mature enough to listen? (dire.it)
This initiative underscores the critical need for road safety education and the importance of responsible driving behaviors. By engaging the younger generation in such impactful campaigns, there is hope for a future where road safety is prioritized, and lives are saved.