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Rhineland-Palatinate Police Support National Traffic Safety Day Focusing on Child Safety
Mainz - The Rhineland-Palatinate police will participate in the nationwide "Safe.Mobile.Live" initiative on June 3, with a focus on protecting children in traffic.
Since its inception in 2018, this annual campaign has addressed various traffic safety topics, and this year, it places children at the forefront. Children are more vulnerable on the road due to their small size, limited experience, and perception. Their vulnerability is also linked to the behavior of other road users.
In 2024, the number of accidents involving children in Rhineland-Palatinate decreased compared to the previous year, according to the police. While the total number of injured children declined from 1,239 to 1,222, the number of seriously injured children rose by 16 to 126. School route accidents also increased, from 116 to 142. However, no child fatality was reported in 2024, as opposed to three in 2022 and 2023.
The police will intensify their efforts to ensure child safety, particularly on school routes and during school hours. They will closely monitor so-called "parent taxis," enforcing traffic regulations such as speed limits near schools and kindergartens, and prohibiting distractions caused by mobile phone use while driving.
Prevention measures will also be at the heart of the action day. Experts from the Central Prevention will engage in face-to-face conversations with parents and children, spreading essential safety messages.
Action days like these aim to heighten public awareness of the importance of child safety in traffic. While no specific details about this year's preventive measures and strategies have been disclosed, past initiatives have typically included educational campaigns, demonstrations, traffic regulation enforcement, and interactive programs promoting safe mobility.
Public awareness and adherence to safety measures can significantly diminish the risk of accidents for children on the road. The Rhineland-Palatinate police encourage all road users to drive with increased vigilance and practise adapted driving behaviors to safeguard children.
Other road users should be mindful of the increased focus on child safety during traffic, as careless behavior has a significant impact on children's vulnerability. In light of the health-and-wellness concerns, the science of child psychology and traffic safety can provide valuable insights into effective strategies for keeping young pedestrians safe.
