The SAFE STEPS - Road Safety programme in Cambodia aims to mitigate risks on the road by providing students with safety equipment and road traffic education. The program encompasses a holistic approach in which education is key for safe road user behaviors, in addition to the helmet safety component of the program. The Safe School Zone infrastructure modification unveiling was co-organized with AIP Foundation and in collaboration with the National Road Safety Committee, Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports, Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, Kampong Thom provincial traffic police, and Kampong Thom provincial partners.
“The school zone infrastructure modifications that were unveiled today at Stueng Sen High School, represent practical changes made to the surroundings of a school to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and families. Investing in safer school zone infrastructure modifications like we have today is a crucial step towards ensuring the success of our future generation,” shares Mr. Im Vanny, Deputy Director of Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports.
Safeguarding Young Lives on the road across Cambodia
On their daily commute to school, many children and youth are at risk. Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years globally. In Cambodia, students accounted for 12% of all road fatalities in 20191. Among them, nearly one-half of road fatalities affect secondary and high school students. This represents a public health crisis that disproportionately affects young people the most.
Based on results from the school zone assessment by using iRAP’s* Star Ratings for Schools methodology, AIP Foundation began the construction and installation of school zone modifications at target schools. The modifications included Rumble strips, slow-down traffic signs and 30 km/h traffic signs, pedestrian crossing area traffic signs, zebra-crossings, flashing beacons and a number of key road markings.
Throughout the day, students had an opportunity to reinforce their road safety skills and knowledge with interactive games and fun activities. These included helmet use training and further training on understanding speed limits, avoiding distractions, and the importance of pedestrian safety. Students participated in a road safety quiz to test their understanding. Students also implemented activities on National Road 6 to guide road users on how to travel safely, especially when crossing the road in front of Stueng Sen High School.
