In the street, the child pedestrian is particularly vulnerable: in 2007, more than one in four children killed on the road was a pedestrian (that is, 44 out of 164). On average, 20% of pedestrians are presumed responsible for their accident. (Source: Pedestrian Sector Study – ONISR).
To address this, the pedestrian license has been introduced in France, with a preview in Nice. The principle: children between 8 and 9 years old take their “Pedestrian License.” Through simulations and a question-answer game, the “Pedestrian License for Children” teaches not only pedestrian traffic rules but also the sense of individual responsibility, thanks to a set of precautions, reflexes, and additional tips that enable children to ensure their own safety.
Thus, training sessions help them become aware that they are more exposed than adults and need to develop specific precautionary reflexes. Indeed, while they must adhere to the rules that apply to all pedestrians, the “Pedestrian License for Children” preparation sessions also teach them to anticipate and protect themselves from transgressions by other vehicles.
At the end of these sessions, a “Pedestrian License” is given to the children, symbolizing their solemn commitment to follow the learned precautionary rules to ensure their own safety.
In Nice, five municipal police officers, specialized in road risk prevention in schools, have been providing this training since October 16, 2008, in 89 public primary schools and 16 private contracted schools, targeting the city’s 3,600 CE2 (8/9 years old) students.
In several schools, the city of Nice is innovating by implementing “the challenge”: a competition involving eight schools from the VIth district. The city center has proven to be the most accident-prone.
After the first exam, two students per class will be chosen by their peers to participate in a “highway code” type test using slides. This will take place at the beginning of December.
Following this test, a new ranking will be made, and the winners will be awarded a personalized diploma as well as a diploma for their class.
Each year, a new district will participate in this challenge.
