Launch of Youth and Road Safety Action Kit for young people

By Nellie Ghusayni, Programmes Officer, YOURS – Youth for Road Safety

Road traffic injuries are on the decrease in Alberta. In 2010, there were fewer crashes, injuries and fatalities compared to 2009. However, similar to other provinces and even countries around the world, road traffic crashes remain the leading cause of death and injury among Alberta’s youth.

In response to this daily threat, many young people set out to become road safety activists, raising awareness of those around them and advocating their governments for more action. One such example is the Canadian Road Safety Youth Committee. The Committee, established after a group of motivated Canadian youth participated in the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety in 2007, works to ensure that youth have a voice in national road safety initiatives by representing them on four key national organizations where previously there were no youth: the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals, Canadian Global Road Safety Committee and the planning committee for the Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conference.

While many young people are taking the lead on such road safety initiatives, there are still others who find road safety information inaccessible and even more passionate individuals who need guidance in getting started. This is why YOURS – Youth for Road Safety produced the Youth and Road Safety Action Kit in collaboration with the International Union for Health Promotion and Education and with the technical assistance of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

The Youth and Road Safety Action Kit takes young people on a journey with three main stops. The first part focuses on the global road safety crisis. What is the scope of this problem? Why are young people at particular risk for road traffic injuries? How do speeding, distracted driving, alcohol and drug use, non-use of helmets and other risk factors contribute to road traffic injuries? After the first stop, it is time for action. The second part is a guide on how to get on board with a focus on planning and implementing road safety projects. The last part is a set of briefings on key actions and processes that can help make their projects successful: partnership building, community participation, networking and fundraising.

This is the Youth and Road Safety Action Kit, a simple guide to motivate young people to get actively involved in road safety. It was written by young people for young people. The language is simple and the design is attractive. We, the youth, are the main victims of road crashes worldwide. To be able to protect ourselves and help our friends stay safe, we need the knowledge and the tools. We invite you to review the Kit, use it, disseminate it and share your thoughts with us.

Visit the YOURS website to download a free copy of the Youth and Road Safety Action Kit and learn more about YOURS.