Campaigns for Safe School Routes Start with the Start of School
Published: Monday, Aug 14th 2023, 04:40
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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With the start of school in several cantons, campaigns for safe school routes have been launched. The Swiss Advisory Board for Accident Prevention (BFU) has released a picture book to help promote the campaign. Five organisations, including the police, have launched the "Stoppen für Schulkinder" (Stop for Schoolchildren) campaign. Every year, 900 children and adolescents are involved in traffic accidents, 40 percent of them on their way to school. Four children die on average each year as a result of these accidents. The BFU emphasises that the responsibility for the school route lies primarily with the parents. To prevent accidents, it is important that all parties involved work together. The picture book shows, among other things, that children should walk on the safe side of the pavement when it rains to avoid getting wet. It also reminds them of the old rule "wait, look, listen, go". The book is supplemented with songs, tasks, games and other teaching materials for use in school. The "Stoppen für Schulkinder" campaign is aimed at motorised traffic. Most accidents involving children occur when they cross the street. It has been found that in 55 percent of cases, the drivers fail to give priority to pedestrians. The organisations urge drivers not only to brake, but to stop and stay until a child has crossed the street. Hand signals should not be used. The campaign is supported by the Swiss Automobile Club, Fussverkehr Schweiz, the police, the Teachers' Association and the Road Safety Fund. In addition to the national languages, the information is available in seven other languages.nnnnnnnn
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