According to World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injury is the eight leading cause of death globally and ranks high as a cause of death among children and young people from ages 5 to 29. If no urgent action is taken to resolve road traffic deaths it may rise to the fifth spot by the year 2030.
With this current trend, Volkswagen, an international leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of automotives, vehicles, motorcyles, engines, turbomachinery and other related services, launched their Child Safety Initiative campaign which aims to raise public awareness on road safety in children.
Volkswagen Philippines, says that the country is one of the most undisciplined in terms of road traffic and safety despite continuous efforts of the government to raise road awareness. Therefore they adopted the Child Safety Initiative campaign with the belief that Filipino children should be protected to the utmost while travelling and most especially to teach the young minds on the basics of traffic discipline, rules and signs which they can carry on once they grow up so as to be responsible drivers and car owners in the future.
Last November 7 to 8 in the Midtown wing activity area of Robinsons Ermita, Volkswagen Philippines held their Child Safety Initiative campaign through their "Junior Driving Course".
Open for children ages, 4 to 8, they set up a 50 - square meter driving course with VW push cars from Germany as part of the educational program that teaches children the basic rule of road safety.
The 50 square meter driving course
The Junior Driving Course procedures
Upon registration, children and their parents were asked to sit on the lecture area where a professional instructor explains the importance of road safety visuals such as traffic signs and road signs (like "STOP" and "No Entry" among others). They also taught the parents how child seats greatly increases safety for younger passengers.
The instructor showing the Left Hand Curve (the right sign with an arrow pointing to the left inside a red triangle) and the "No Entry" sign (the one on the left side, the red circle with a horizontal white line in the middle)
After the lecture, the children participants were asked to gather around the table where a miniature of the driving course was shown to them to familiarize themselves on the places they would need to go to and the traffic and road signs that they will encounter in order to complete the task to be provided for them.
The instructor explaining to the kids the places included in the actual driving course through the miniature course. He also provided the areas where the traffic lights and signs as well as the road signs located.
The Miniature driving course that serves as a preliminary guide for the kids before the practice run and the actual driving task.
The kids had the chance to practice in the course before the actual driving task. Each kid needed to complete the 3 tasks on the checklist provided.
Here's a video of my cousin while she's doing her practice run:
The route assignment for the driving task.
Upon completion and passing the driving course, a junior driver's license was issued.
As a mom, I am glad that Volkswagen Philippines took that extra mile in instilling road safety not just to the elder population but also to children. Their advocacy's approach - "a learning play activity" - is really effective in teaching school age children the basics of road traffic rules and signs.
Here are the "10 ways to keep our kids safe on the road" as discussed by the instructor.
1. Controlling car speed strategies
Setting and enforcing speed limits appropriate to the function of each road - maximum speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour on roads with high concentrations of pedestian
2. Avoid drinking and driving
Strong reinforcements on laws related to drinking and driving whould be practice
3. Using helmets for bicyclist and motorcyclists
Laws on wearing helmets should be mandated and strictly enforced.
Parents' education on the importance of helmet use
4. Restraining children in vehicles
Providing car restraints, seat belts and car seats to children is a must.
5. Improving children's ability to see and be seen
Our roads and streets should be "uncluttered" as possible and street lights should be enhance.
Children should wear white colored and light colored clothing.
Crossing guards should be appointed while wearing reflective vests around schools.
6. Enhancing road infrastractures
The government should invest in safe public transport and play areas for children should be away from the road. Our streets and roads should have working traffic lights, street lighting and signs.
7. Adapting vehicle design
If a family will buy a car, they should know the features of the car that are child friendly and safe.
If a family will use public transportation they should be observant on the vehicles safety systems as much as possible.
8. Reducing risks for young drivers
Young drivers should be educated on the importance of road safety and to not engage themselves on drunk driving and night time driving and texting while driving should be restricted.
Teens or young adults whould drive with a responsible adult for a designated period of time while learning to drive.
9. Providing appropriate care for injured children
Parents, caregivers and teachers as well as traffic or road personnels should be taught of first aid care to injured children in case of emergencies.
10. Supervising children around roads.
Parents and other caregivers should ensure safety and strongly supervise children in complex road environments. Never leave children unattended or unsupervised if outside the house.
I do hope that Volkswagen Philippines campaign will continue nationwide to constantly remind Filipino parents of road safety importance. For us elders and parents alike, let's be mindful of the 10 ways in keeping children safe as this will help lessen, or not eradicate, cases of road traffic related injury and deaths.
