Africa-Press – Seychelles. Twelve road safety youth ambassadors have been appointed to promote and advocate for road safety among their peers and communities.
This was in a small ceremony held yesterday at the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC).
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding between SNYC and the Road Safety Advisory Committee was signed to enhance awareness about road safety among the youth. All these events are integral components of the road safety activities.
Road safety youth ambassadors play a crucial role in promoting and advocating for road safety among their peers and communities. They will mainly raise awareness, can organise campaigns and workshops to educate others about the importance of safe behaviour on the roads. Their role is also to encourage and promote safe practices such as wearing seat belts, using helmets, obeying traffic rules among others. The ambassadors are representatives from different districts in Seychelles.
On the occasion, George Madeleine, health promotion, media and communication (MOH) Road Safety Advisory Committee made a presentation on ‘The youth in the system of Road safety’.
Mr Madeleine shed light on the global road safety situation. Shocking statistics reveal that nearly 1.25 million people succumb to road crashes annually, with an additional 20-50 million suffering injuries or disabilities. More than half of all road traffic deaths occur among young adults aged 15-44, making road traffic crashes the 9th leading cause of death globally.
The presentation emphasised the high-risk young road users face, delving into factors influencing exposure to risk, crash involvement, and crash severity. Speed emerged as a critical factor, with statistics indicating that high speeds significantly increase the chances of death or severe injury among all road users.
Speeding, particularly among drivers under 25 years old, was identified as a significant contributor to fatal crashes. Strict measures on drink-driving were also emphasised as a crucial aspect of road safety. The importance of wearing helmets was underscored, with non-compliance increasing the risk of head injuries, severity, hospitalisation time, and the likelihood of long-term disability.
Mr Madeleine also spoke about the correlation between the use of alcohol and illicit substances and the likelihood of a crash occurring, as well as the increased likelihood of death or serious injury.
He further encouraged the youth to use their seat belts and even if they are at the back of a transport to keep wearing them. Failure to use seat belts emerged as a major risk factor for road traffic deaths and injuries among vehicle occupants, he noted.
“It is time for action. With road traffic injuries predicted to become the 5th leading cause of death by 2030, the launch of road safety youth ambassadors represents a vital step towards changing the situation,” shared Mr Madeleine.
Principal secretary for Transport, Patrick Andre, acknowledged the fact that the youth were not being included to discuss on this issue. “We found it necessary to bring the youth onboard. We all know that the youth is our future and we need to start somewhere. With the MoU we signed today, Transport department and Road Safety Advisory Committee will come closer to the youth and engage them in more activities. Another new element will be to include a youth on the Road Safety Advisory Committee,” shared PS Andre. He also asked for prayers for a young person currently in a critical state after a road accident.
The chief executive of SNYC, Albert Duncan, shared that the saddest part in road accidents is that most of them could have been avoided. “With the Ambassadors we want you to have a positive role model and reach out to other youth. We know that the youth bring change and innovation and we count on you to bring this change.”
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
