Children know the rules of the road, but it is important that this knowledge translates into consistent safe behaviour – and the example set by adults plays a key role in this. That is why this year’s child road safety initiative focuses on parents and the example they set. This was highlighted by Nina Kolchakova, Director General of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABZ), in an interview with Bulgarian National Radio – Radio Sofia.
The initiative is being held for the sixth time as part of the joint campaign by European insurance associations, “Together for Children's Road Safety”. Over the years, the campaign has evolved, introducing new activities and engaging new partners, but its goal remains unchanged – to help children develop lasting habits for staying safe on the road.
“It is important for children to know the rules and develop safe road behaviour habits from an early age,” Kolchakova commented.
This year’s campaign focuses on the example set by adults. “Children learn not only from what we tell them, but also from what they see us, as adults, doing,” Nina Kolchakova explained. The campaign therefore addresses not only children but also parents and all road users. Its aim is not simply to raise awareness, but to encourage behaviour that reduces risks on the road.
Nearly 100,000 children took part in the latest edition of ABZ’s educational online quiz, “Road Safety: Spot the Mistake”, representing approximately one third of children aged 4 to 8 in Bulgaria.
The quiz presents road situations in which a safety rule is being broken. Children are asked to identify the mistake and explain the correct behaviour – for example, when someone is travelling without wearing a seat belt, crossing at a red light or chasing a ball into a dangerous area. The quiz is also used as an educational resource in schools and kindergartens across the country. Five editions have been held so far, attracting a total of more than 200,000 child participants.
Asked whether road safety education at school is sufficient, Kolchakova stressed that no matter how often children are taught the rules, the example set by adults remains crucial. Road safety is addressed from kindergarten through the early years of primary school, and parents also remind their children how to behave safely on the road. The problem arises when words and actions do not match. If a parent tells a child to fasten their seat belt but does not wear one themselves, or crosses at a red light because they are in a hurry, the child receives the message that the rules can be broken. This is precisely why this year’s campaign places particular emphasis on parents’ responsibility for the example they set.
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