In September 2024, the spotlight is on children’s safety: several European countries have united their efforts in a regional campaign to raise awareness and promote child safety in Central and Eastern Europe. The shared objective is clear – through collective action and numerous initiatives, the participating countries aim to enhance children’s safety, with a special focus on road safety and accident prevention.
Children’s behavior on the road differs significantly from that of adults. They perceive their surroundings differently, become distracted more easily and more frequently, which makes them particularly vulnerable. Children need maximum protection and support in order to live safely and without fear. Yet despite all efforts, serious traffic incidents involving children continue to occur daily.
This is why the insurance industry, road safety organizations, public authorities, and educational institutions from Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia have joined forces to highlight the importance of protecting children on the road.
Now in its fourth edition, the initiative aims to draw attention to the fact that everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring children's safety as road users. Through campaigns, educational games, and various demonstrations, the goal is to provide children with practical knowledge to recognize hazards and learn the correct behavior in traffic situations.
Each participating country is planning a range of activities – from play-based learning and online quizzes to social media campaigns – all designed to encourage children to follow safety rules, avoid dangerous situations on the road, and highlight the importance of collective responsibility for child safety.
Partner Activities within the Initiative “Together for Children’s Road Safety: Central and Eastern Europe”
Bulgaria: Children’s Drawing Contest “No Mistakes on the Road” – October 2024
The Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABZ), in partnership with the Guarantee Fund and the Ministry of the Interior, will organize the national children’s drawing contest “No Mistakes on the Road”. Through this initiative, children from across Bulgaria will have the opportunity to illustrate correct and incorrect road behavior and become “co-creators” of ABZ’s widely recognized online educational quiz on road safety. The winning drawings will be included in the next edition of the test.
Austria: Safe Journey to School
The Austrian Road Safety Board, in cooperation with the Austrian police, will carry out a campaign reminding road users about increased student presence and promoting tips for a safe journey to school.
Hungary: Safer Streets for Cyclists and Pedestrians
As part of its national Road Safety Week, the Association of Hungarian Insurers (MABISZ), together with the Hungarian police (ORFK OBB), will focus this year’s efforts on improving safety for children who walk or cycle. The campaign also includes an on-site educational insurance-themed game for young people.
Poland: Preventing Distraction and Alcohol-Related Hazards
Poland’s educational campaign will feature social media posts reminding children of key traffic safety rules, such as avoiding mobile phone use while crossing the street. In collaboration with the police, a winter campaign titled “I Drive a Safe Car” will also be launched, promoting vehicle maintenance checks and safe driving habits. Another component will focus on raising awareness among young drivers and children about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Romania: Road Safety Training and Seatbelt Awareness
Romania’s campaign includes games and hands-on activities teaching children how to cross streets safely and behave near vehicles. Traffic police and road safety experts in Bucharest will conduct interactive presentations on road rules and safety measures. Demonstrations will highlight the importance of wearing seatbelts, using crash simulators, and providing additional information for parents and expectant parents on proper child car seat usage.
Slovakia: Scooter and Bicycle Safety
The Slovak Insurance Association (SLASPO) will organize a preventive educational event for primary school children aged 8–10, in collaboration with the Slovak police. The campaign, held on September 9–10, invites selected schools and municipalities to take part in a practical traffic training event, where children will apply their knowledge while riding their own scooters and bicycles on a dedicated training course.
Slovenia: Safe Way to School and Visibility Awareness
Slovenia is launching a prevention campaign together with the Slovenian police. The initiative includes escorted walks to school, distribution of 20,000 reflective accessories (especially for first-graders), and awareness campaigns using posters and social media. In October, the national campaign “Be Visible, Be Careful” will be held to promote visibility, safety, and caution among pedestrians – especially children – in road traffic.
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