In a bid to curb the alarming rates of road accidents affecting Thailand’s youth, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, in collaboration with the Traffic Police Division and Thai Honda, has launched a pioneering road safety project. Piloted across seven schools in Bangkok’s Bang Rak and Sathorn districts, the initiative aims to equip children and teenagers with essential road skills and safety knowledge.
Despite ongoing efforts, Thailand continues to witness staggering statistics from road accidents, claiming at least two lives per hour and leaving over 500,000 people injured or disabled annually. Among those most affected are children and young adults, posing significant societal and economic challenges.
Under the auspices of the Health Promotion Foundation, the “Phueng Noi is the Eyes and Ears” school network initiative seeks to instill fundamental road safety principles. This includes fostering traffic discipline and enhancing life-saving skills in navigating roads and crossings safely. The project also nurtures youth leadership by engaging students in proactive roles alongside adults.
Dr. Udom Hongchatkul, president of the network, emphasized the initiative’s role in spearheading a cultural shift towards road safety. “By focusing on education and collaboration,” he stated, “we believe we can prevent road accidents and foster a safer environment.”
The participating schools, including Wat Muang Khae and Wat Yannawa, have embraced the program enthusiastically. Activities range from intensive road safety training for students to the introduction of a mascot, “Little Bees,” designed to make learning enjoyable and engaging.
Training sessions, conducted in June, featured comprehensive modules covering traffic signs, helmet safety, and practical zebra crossing skills. Students expressed gratitude for the practical knowledge gained, noting its immediate applicability in real-world scenarios.
Highlighting the importance of community involvement, local officials and police personnel have played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the training sessions. Pol. Col. Jinda Klapklai and Pol. Lt. Dr. Chalermprom Itthiyaporn led sessions on zebra crossing skills, emphasizing personal responsibility and safety awareness.
For those interested in contributing to road safety efforts, an interactive exhibition titled “Nudge with Love” will be held at Sky Walk, BTS Chong Nonsi Station until July 4, 2024. The event invites participation in discussions, sharing experiences, and exploring ways to promote safer road practices.
The initiative underscores a concerted effort to empower Thailand’s youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to safeguard themselves and others on the roads, paving the way for a safer future.
