"It can happen to you"

Initiative details

The “It Can Happen to You” program addresses the high incidence of traffic accidents resulting in deaths and injuries in Spain. It emphasizes the importance of continuous road safety education to reduce these incidents. Targeting children, the program aims to instill lifelong safe behaviors as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, passengers, and drivers. It focuses on key issues such as risk perception, distractions, speed, the effects of alcohol and drugs, and proper use of safety equipment. By illustrating the consequences of unsafe behaviors, the program fosters responsible and respectful attitudes towards road safety.

Initiative date

to

Who was/is your target audience?

Children 0-16

Topic

Education in school or in community organizations

Organisation details

AESLEME
Association
Spain
Las Rozas/Madrid/Spain

Contact name

Mar Cogollos Paja

Telephone number

917159382

Project activities

Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.

The “It Can Happen to You” program involves educational sessions delivered in schools, universities, and community centers across Spain. It covers risk perception, the dangers of distractions (like mobile phones), speed management, the effects of alcohol and drugs, and the use of safety equipment. Real-life stories and testimonies from accident survivors are used to reinforce the message. The program collaborates with local traffic authorities, schools, and community organizations to maximize its reach. It has been continuously running since 1990 and has reached over 4 million children and young adults.

In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?

Success has been marked by a significant reach and positive feedback from participants. Challenges include adapting materials for different age groups and keeping the content engaging. Additionally, coordinating with multiple partners and maintaining funding for long-term sustainability have been ongoing issues.

If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.

Key partners include local traffic authorities, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), and various educational institutions. Each partner helps in organizing events, providing venues, and facilitating sessions.

Evaluation

Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).

The program's impact is evaluated through participant feedback, surveys, and social media engagement. Statistics on behavior changes among participants are also tracked. The program's effectiveness is measured by the reduction in traffic incidents and improved safety behaviors reported by participants.

What has been the effect of the activities?

The program has reached over 4 million people, contributing to a noticeable improvement in road safety awareness and behavior among children and young adults. It has helped reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities at local, regional, and national levels. The program's success is evidenced by the reduction in risky behaviors such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, as reported in follow-up surveys.

Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.

“It Can Happen to You” is an exemplary road safety initiative due to its comprehensive approach, targeting multiple age groups and focusing on various aspects of road safety. Its methodology, involving real-life stories and continuous education, makes it highly effective and replicable by other organizations. The program's adaptability and extensive reach serve as a model for improving road safety on a broader scale.

How have you shared information about your project and its results?

Information about the program and its results has been shared through media campaigns, social media, and presentations at national and international road safety conferences. The initiative is well-known at local, regional, and national levels, thanks to its extensive outreach efforts and collaboration with the DGT and other partners.

Supporting materials