Sir,
With reference to the traffic issues at schools published in this column (SOM dated July 25), I would like to add some more points on the safety of school children at their schools.
As suggested by the reader, the Traffic Wardens Organisation (TWO) in association with city Traffic Police are organising traffic awareness programmes under the name of “School Association for Road Safety” (SARS), wherein various topics on road safety are being taught to school children in their school itself and forming SARS teams consisting of 8th and 9th std students and providing special training on controlling traffic near their school, to take care of the traffic in front of their school etc.
Communication was sent by TWO to many schools in this regard and some schools responded to it. School managements may approach the nearest Traffic Police Station or contact TWO (Subramanya, Dy Chief Traffic Warden on Mob: 8880888853) for details on SARS.
In continuation to the system being practiced in USA, in a similar way in Australia “Road Safety Education Programme” is being organised to provide educational resources and professional development to teachers and childhood educators on road safety for school children. The programme focuses on pedestrian, passenger and wheels safety, as well as future drivers.
Police Traffic Wardens in Australia control the children’s crossing facilities in Western Australia and they provide training to the Crossing Guards or School Traffic Warden (school staff) in monitoring activities and the operation of children’s crossings. Each school deploys one or two staff for this duty and it is the duty of these Crossing Guards to monitor safe movement of children while crossing the road near their school.
The Crossing Guards have the power to stop all vehicles even if a single child is crossing the road.
Providing zebra crossing in front of all the schools helps vehicle-users to stop the vehicle if they see any child approaching the crossing. Restrictions on speed near schools also may help to safeguard the children.
According to my observation, people might be aware of road safety; however, they do not want to follow the rules unless they see a person in ‘uniform.’ Hence, providing School Wardens with a special uniform, at least an overcoat with logos, may help in controlling the traffic near their school zone. All vehicle-users need to follow traffic rules for the safety of self and other road-users, especially school children.
– Dr. S.V.N. Vijayendra, Traffic Warden, Roopanagar, 26.7.2017
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