This spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the best practices shared by ERSC members. Each month, we highlight a different member’s innovative road safety initiative. By presenting these success stories, we aim to create a collaborative environment where others can recognise, celebrate, and adopt lessons learned and best practices.
Our April spotlight features the ‘Świadomi – Mobilni’ (Aware – Mobile) project, an innovative initiative developed by the Warmińsko-Mazurska Police (Police Headquarters in Olsztyn, Poland) to raise awareness about road safety. Their initiative focuses on using technology to educate people, from children to elderly, about the importance of road safety and how to prevent crashes.
Why the ‘Świadomi – Mobilni’ Project Has Been Recognised as Good Practice of the Month
The “Świadomi – Mobilni” initiative has been selected this month for its innovative approach to road safety education using multimedia tools and interactive content. The project leverages technology, including mobile apps, games, and educational tools, to engage users in an interactive and fun way. It provides free, high-quality resources that can be used by various educators, from police officers to teachers, to raise awareness and improve road safety skills. The initiative's focus on accessibility and flexibility ensures that it can be tailored to a wide range of age groups and needs, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in road safety education.
Key inspiration behind the ‘Świadomi – Mobilni’ Project
The “Świadomi – Mobilni” project was initiated by the Warmińsko-Mazurska Police to address the need for more effective road safety education. The inspiration for this project stemmed from the realisation that traditional methods were not as engaging as they could be, especially among young people. To address this, the Police decided to use innovative tools and multimedia platforms that would better engage and educate youth in the region. By combining technology with road safety education, the initiative aimed to make learning about traffic safety more accessible, interactive and effective.
Project activities
Key activities of the project include:
- “Dźwięki Ulicy” (Street Sounds): An Android application was developed to help children develop auditory awareness of road traffic sounds, such as car horns, tram bells, and sirens. This app teaches the importance of using hearing to stay alert and aware of the surroundings.
- “Miasteczkowo Małe” (Little Town): An educational game was also created which simulates the experience of being a pedestrian in an urban environment. It helps children understand the risks they face while walking in busy cities and allows them to practice safe street crossing and reacting to different traffic situations.
- Reaction Time App: This app was developed to measure how quickly users can react to visual stimuli, emphasising the importance of quick reactions for safe road use.
Funded by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, part of the project involved distributing materials, such as printed guides and interactive devices, to key educators and stakeholders. This phase also included hosting training sessions for teachers and police officers to ensure they are equipped to use the tools effectively.
Outcomes of the initiative
The ‘Świadomi – Mobilni’ project has already shown positive results in improving the quality of road safety education in the region. Preliminary evaluations from workshops and sessions show a strong positive response from participants, with 44 teachers and police officers rating the materials highly for their educational value and engaging nature.
Additionally, early data from the Warmian-Masurian region indicates a reduction in road accidents, particularly among children. Traffic-related fatalities and injuries among children aged 0-14 have decreased between 2021 and 2023.
For more information
Read more about the ‘Świadomi – Mobilni’ project here (Good Practice available in Polish) – explore the project's activities and outcomes in further detail.
If you want to develop a similar strategy in your local authority or Member State, contact the project lead, Tomasz Zieliński at profilaktyka@ol.policja.gov.pl. Tomasz can provide further information or advice on the project, as necessary.
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