Azerbaijan's Nikki launches UN road safety campaign

Eurovision Song Contest winner Nikki last week launched a new campaign to save lives in Azerbaijan in support of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

The 2011 Eurovision champion released a new song and music video to help raise awareness for road safety in Azerbaijan. Nikki is leading a campaign aimed at increasing the levels of seatbelt wearing in Azerbaijan as a contribution to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. The Decade of Action aims to save five million lives and prevent 50 million serious injuries around the world over the next 10 years.

Nikki said: “I know that music can be incredibly powerful in getting messages across, particularly to young people. My mission is to help save lives in Azerbaijan, to reduce the numbers of casualties on our roads. I’m urging everyone to wear a seatbelt and to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety.” Road crashes are the number one killer of young people aged 10-24 worldwide.

Nikki also unveiled a Seatbelt Slide in Baku. The slide, which will be open to the public, is a simulator which demonstrates the importance of wearing a seatbelt even at relatively low speeds.

The Seatbelt Slide has been donated to Azerbaijan by EASST (Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Transport) and independent charity the FIA Foundation. Nikki has been supporting EASST and the global Make Roads Safe campaign as part of her ambassadorial work contributing to the UN Decade of Action.

Nikki was also joined at the launch event by Anri Jokhadze, the Georgian entrant at the 2012 Eurovision contest who has been working to raise awareness for road safety in his country. In collaboration with Georgian Public Broadcasting, Anri is also putting together a video calling for parents to use child safety restraints among other important safety issues.

Anri Jokhadze said: "Every live saved by fastened seat belt is one of the missions of my life. This is why I'm supporting the Decade of Action for Road Safety".

Ell/Nikki - Winners of Europe's Favourite TV Show

Nikki together with Ell won the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest for their native Azerbaijan with the song Running Scared. The victory brought the contest to the Baku for the first time and will be held at the Baku Crystal Hall on the 22nd, 24th and 26th of May. 

Ell (Eldar) was recently announced as one of the presenters of this year's show.