BANGKOK, Thailand – October 14, 2022

In September 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 “Improving global road safety”, proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, with the ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. WHO and the UN regional commissions, in cooperation with other partners in the UN Road Safety Collaboration, have developed a Global Plan for the Decade of Action, released in October 2021.

In order to achieve this target, AIP Foundation and Toll Group are hosting a handover ceremony to celebrate the recent completion of the road safety modifications at Promrach Rangsan School. The modifications include the installation of 3 crosswalks by the school. These modifications are directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) under SDG 3- good health and well-being as well as SDG 11 based on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Hauling Safety in Thailand: Engaging Communities

Since 2020, AIP Foundation has partnered with Toll Group to implement theHauling Safetyprogram in Thailand, aimed at supporting communities in tackling high-risk journeys for students traveling to and from school through quality safety education and equipment for students, parents, and community members.

At the core of thisHauling Safetyprogram, activities are empowering and engaging our youth to be safer road users. The program is inherently aligned with the Global Plan and Thailand’s National Road Safety plan.

Road Modifications and Education for a safer school

The school selected for the 2021-2022 program year is Promrat Rangsan School (Bang Bon area). The selection was guided by the local government and based on risk-assessment surveys, which demonstrated the school and communities’ need for a comprehensive safety intervention.

At Soon Ruam Nam Chai School, we are still carrying out the education program with the students and we have developed a road safety booklet for the schools in Khlong Toei. This forms part of the safety equipment that is being distributed to students. As part of the Hauling Safety program, we are impacting beyond individual schools creating a lasting legacy of a new and safer road user generation.

The target school for this event is located in high-traffic areas with poor road infrastructure, attributing to a higher road safety risk for their students and teachers. This project school accommodates over 500 students. The area around the school is rapidly expanding and developing, with many new shops across the road from the school. Students are at risk as they cross the wide roads to access the shops.

The tailoredHauling Safetyprogram includes quality road safety education, road modifications and provides safety equipment to students. The road modifications outside the school area put the students, parents, and teachers first, championing a human-centric approach to mobility and safety.

The project activities such as the essential knowledge and skills of Road Safety Education will increase the safety awareness to children and communities nearby, which includes safe transportation and infrastructure improvement at the school zones. This highlights and promotes the importance of education to instill safe road behaviors.