Road safety awareness and high-visibility gifts for children in Moldova
This month school children across Moldova have been receiving visits from our EASST partners, the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) along with police officers from the National Patrolling Inspectorate and fire fighters from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Interior to learn about road and fire safety.
The road safety sessions focused on raising the children’s awareness of the dangers of traffic, introducing them to the issues and helping them explore the ideas raised.
The children discussed the Stop, Look and Listen message for safe road crossing and why it is important to be able to identify hazards on the road and find a safe place to cross. They also received gifts of high-visibility vests and flickers as part of raising their awareness on the importance of being bright and being seen by drivers in the dark.
The children were given letters and leaflets to take home to their parents, including information on the importance (and legal requirements) of using seat belts and child car seats, making them aware of what the children had learned and how they can reinforce these messages at home – and in the car.
As well as talking about road safety, fire fighters were there to talk to the children about fire safety and safety in the home. The children were shown how a fire extinguisher works and given the opportunity to look around a fire appliance donated by the UK through our FIRE AID project with Operation Florian and used by the Moldovan fire service.
Making children aware of the safety risks on the road, and elsewhere, and providing them with strategies to remain safe are important parts of their development. By using simple, fun, education activities teachers, parents and emergency service professionals can help young people stay safe on the roads and save lives.
