TCS and BFU are calling for greater readiness to brake on the way to school. After summer break, thousands of children are once again walking to school. Many of them are still unfamiliar with their route. At the same time, adults are driving to work as usual. It is precisely this combination that increases the risk in the neighborhood.
Over 700 children are involved in traffic accidents each year
According to the BFU, over 700 children aged 14 and under are involved in traffic accidents each year. They are traveling on foot, by scooter, or by bicycle. About 40 percent of these accidents occur on the way to school. Children are not yet able to reliably estimate distances and speeds. In addition, they have difficulty pinpointing the source of sounds or perceiving multiple hazards at the same time.
The “Look, Brake, Stop” Campaign Puts Braking Front and Center
The TCS is running the national “Look, Brake, Stop” campaign for the second year. The campaign is commissioned by the Road Safety Fund. In the first year, the focus was on attentive awareness. Now, the TCS is shifting the focus to braking. After all, simply adhering to the speed limit does not mean you’re driving appropriately.
When Resolutions Break Through the Inner Autopilot
The BFU describes a gap between knowledge and behavior. Almost all drivers are aware of the danger, but act differently when under time pressure. According to Andrea Uhr of the BFU, habitual driving exacerbates this effect. The BFU therefore recommends specific “if-then” resolutions. One example is the resolution to drive more slowly and be ready to brake when children are at the roadside.
Interactive Test Shows Stopping Distance at Higher Speeds
The TCS is supplementing the campaign with an interactive test. In it, drivers experience typical traffic situations. The tool demonstrates how much speed increases the stopping distance. This is particularly relevant in residential areas and at public transit stops. Even in places with limited visibility, every kilometer per hour counts.
Trucks Carry the Message onto the Road
In addition, the TCS is launching the initiative “I Come to a Complete Stop for Every Child.” The Commercial Vehicle Association (ASTAG) and the professional association Les Routiers Suisses are participating. Stickers and vehicle decals display the message on trucks throughout Switzerland. Professional drivers thus become visible ambassadors for the campaign.
Results from the first year of the campaign show broad participation
Municipalities and police departments used approximately 6,000 poster locations in the first year. In addition, there were over 4,000 banners and more than 90,000 awareness-raising items distributed. Over 1,000 school classes also participated in the campaign. They created around 30,000 scented figurines for drivers. These figures come from the TCS and demonstrate the reach of the partner network.
Parents practice the route to school before the first day of school
The TCS advises parents to walk the route to school together with their children before the first day of school. Children should learn safe crossing points and proper behavior along the way. Bright clothing and reflective elements further increase visibility. Those who ride a bike or scooter should ideally practice the route several times. Through the Safe2School Alert service, interested parties can also receive tips for the start of the school year.
BFU Calls for Additional Structural Measures in the Road Environment
Awareness campaigns alone are not enough for the BFU. It considers structural measures to be more effective. These include safety-oriented speed limits in built-up areas. It also calls for self-explanatory and error-tolerant infrastructure. Finally, it urges the removal of obstacles to visibility and the regular inspection of crossings.
How many children are involved in accidents on their way to school in Switzerland?
Each year, over 700 children under the age of 14 are involved in traffic accidents, about 40 percent of them on their way to school.
What does the mnemonic “Luege Brämse Halte” mean?
It stands for looking attentively, braking appropriately, and coming to a complete stop when children are present.
Why isn’t simply adhering to the speed limit enough?
Children can suddenly step onto the road from behind obstacles that block the driver’s view, which is why drivers must adjust their speed to the circumstances.
What are the BFU’s “if-then” guidelines?
These are specific rules of conduct for typical situations designed to deliberately break ingrained driving habits.
What structural measures does the BFU recommend?
Safety-oriented speed limits in built-up areas, error-tolerant infrastructure, fewer obstacles to visibility, and certified crossings.
