A different kind of day for 𝗘𝗟𝗧 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 in Rome! Last Saturday, September 17, Scuola di Guida Sicura – in partnership with 𝗛𝗥𝗖 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 – dedicated the morning to the children of the company's employees, involving them in a road safety education program. The goal, fully achieved, was to raise children's awareness of road dangers. We chose to do it through play, combining the expertise of Vito Popolizio and his instructors with the antics of a friendly clown, to teach important road safety rules and behaviors with a smile. A great success, for the little ones and their parents.
The idea of "road safety education" came with the Highway Code of 1992. Article 230, in fact, provides for the promotion of "specific programs to be carried out as a compulsory activity in schools of all levels, concerning the knowledge of road safety principles." However, we cannot think of entrusting this (important!) task solely to schools. Families play a decisive role, and we professionals can support them in training future aware pedestrians/cyclists/motorists.
What do we teach the little ones? We start with the rules for walking: walking on the street seems easy, but you have to learn. The function of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, the rules for crossing, road signs: explaining the theory is not enough, practice is much more effective! The rules of the Highway Code are explained through the experimentation of different situations recreated ad hoc.
But after the wonderful day spent together, the ball is back in the parents' court: the example of adults is fundamental. Children absorb our behaviors, so let's never forget, in their presence, to correctly apply road rules. It is always important for everyone's safety. But even more important when the education of our children, new road users, is at stake.
