UNITAR
8 May 2020, Geneva, Switzerland – Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in many countries around the world. Unrestrained children are more likely to be killed in collisions than those using appropriate child restraints and seat belts.
As vehicle occupants, children account for up to 50% of all global child road traffic deaths in high-income countries. And appropriate restraint use varies from nearly 90% in the USA to almost none in some low-income countries. Even in high-income countries where prevalence is high, correct restraint use remains problematic (WHO).
Considering that storybooks are a fun way that can help children understand road safety and that they are a powerful way to catch their attention, leaving them with valuable lessons, UNITAR jointly with its International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Madrid (CIFAL Madrid), and the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) were pleased to join forces to develop the book “La Pandilla de la Rueda (The Wheel Crew) to reach children ages 5-12. This initiative has been developed in collaboration with JOIE and Nuna, who will also help in distributing the book amongst parents and children around the world.
By using colorful drawings and funny characters, the book aims to teach children about road safety principles and how they can protect themselves and others from accidents when traveling on the road. The book is accompanied by an educational guide that provides parents and teachers ideas, games and exercises that can be used to teach children about the importance of seat belts, child restraint systems, traffic rules, and safety principles.
This is part of an effort to contribute to advance Global Road Safety Performance Target 8 “By 2030, increase the proportion of motor vehicle occupants using safety belts or standard child restraint systems to close to 100%”.
The book is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded here:
For more information, please contact: roadsafety@unitar.org.