School kids on driver’s seat to teach parents

The next time you drive don’t be surprised if your three-year-old reprimands you for not putting the seat belt on. City schools have tied up with Mumbai traffic police so that schoolchildren can spread the message of road safety.   

In a recent circular, the state government has directed all schools to hold a “road safety awareness week” from January 1 to 15. The schools will organise rallies and competitions aimed at creating awareness among the public about the dangers of careless driving and driving under influence (of alcohol/drugs etc.), among others.

As per the directions of home minister RR Patil, the focus this year is on children, who will act as messengers. Accordingly, schools are devising their own innovative methods. Podar Jumbo Kids, Santa Cruz will teach their students to pester their families into following road safety measures.

“Children are great at getting things done their way. So, we thought of using the students’ negotiation skills for a positive cause. We teach them about honking and following street lights,” said Swati Popat, head of Podar Jumbo Kids.  

The school has also developed a board game on traffic rules for the children to play at home.

“Children learn best through the play-way method. Once they understand the rules perfectly, students will be able to teach parents as well,” added Popat. 

Besides, the traffic police and the education department will print road safety booklets for school children from Std VIII to X.

From illustrations depicting basic rules for safe travel, the books will have cartoons with messages of safe driving and wearing helmets while driving.

Around 200 students from each school will be selected to form patrol groups who will work along with the police. These students will be trained by personnel from traffic control education branch. These road safety patrols (RSP) will assist in traffic management on important occasions and festivals. 

Schools will also undertake campaigns that encourage students to walk to school every day. Schools like Holy Name, Colaba and IES Manik Vidyamandir, Bandra, have conducted a number of activities under this campaign, including competitions, walking relays, walking events and walking-focused lessons.