Initiative details
Romania has historically faced one of the lowest rates of child restraint system use in the European Union. In 2019, European data indicated that only around one quarter of child passengers were transported using appropriate child restraint systems. This reflected a broader road safety challenge: high child injury and fatality risks linked to improper restraint, misuse of car seats, and limited parental awareness.
The main challenges addressed by our initiative include:
• low usage rates of child restraint systems
• incorrect installation and misuse of car seats
• lack of parental awareness regarding age-appropriate restraint systems
• widespread misconceptions influenced by marketing, informal advice, and outdated practices
• limited access to evidence-based guidance and professional counselling
• insufficient integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and community services
• socio-economic disparities affecting access to safety information and equipment
Additionally, parents often receive conflicting information and lack practical, hands-on guidance on proper installation and safe transportation practices.
These challenges contribute to preventable injuries and fatalities among child passengers and hinder progress toward EU road safety targets.
Our initiative addresses these systemic barriers through education, professional training, community outreach, and evidence-based awareness programs designed to improve correct usage and long-term behavioral change.
The main challenges addressed by our initiative include:
• low usage rates of child restraint systems
• incorrect installation and misuse of car seats
• lack of parental awareness regarding age-appropriate restraint systems
• widespread misconceptions influenced by marketing, informal advice, and outdated practices
• limited access to evidence-based guidance and professional counselling
• insufficient integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and community services
• socio-economic disparities affecting access to safety information and equipment
Additionally, parents often receive conflicting information and lack practical, hands-on guidance on proper installation and safe transportation practices.
These challenges contribute to preventable injuries and fatalities among child passengers and hinder progress toward EU road safety targets.
Our initiative addresses these systemic barriers through education, professional training, community outreach, and evidence-based awareness programs designed to improve correct usage and long-term behavioral change.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Policy makers
Public authorities
Children 0-16
Adults
Topic
Create awareness
Education in school or in community organizations
Knowledge building and sharing
Training
Organisation details
Fundatia Siguranta Auto Copii
Association
Romania
Bucharest
Contact name
Alice Mitu
Telephone number
00400722505473
expert@siguranta-auto-copii.ro
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
The initiative is implemented through strong multi-sector partnerships, ensuring national reach, credibility, and sustainability.
Rotary International District 2241 (Romania & Republic of Moldova)
Provides logistical support, community mobilization, and volunteer engagement, enabling the nationwide expansion of the Child Car Safety Caravan® and facilitating access to local communities.
Romanian Police (Traffic Police)
Supports road safety education efforts, contributes authority and enforcement perspective, participates in public demonstrations, and reinforces the legal framework and importance of compliance.
Titi Aur Academy
Provides road safety expertise, technical demonstrations, and crash dynamics education, helping translate risk scenarios into practical understanding for parents and professionals.
ATRIS Association
Supports technical guidance, professional training, and the dissemination of best practices in child passenger safety and injury prevention.
AVAC (Association for Victims of Road Accidents)
Brings the victim perspective into awareness activities, strengthening emotional impact and highlighting the real-life consequences of unsafe transport practices.
Medicover
Facilitates integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare settings and supports parental education through medical networks and preventive health programs.
Generali
Supports prevention and awareness initiatives through safety campaigns and corporate social responsibility programs aimed at reducing injury risks and promoting responsible behavior.
UNSAR (National Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies of Romania)
Promotes prevention-focused road safety initiatives, supports public awareness efforts, and contributes to a culture of risk reduction and injury prevention.
Coalition for Road Safety
Provides a collaborative platform that aligns public, private, and civil society stakeholders, strengthening policy dialogue and coordinated national safety actions.
ASSMB (Bucharest Municipal Administration for Hospitals and Medical Services)
Supports access to healthcare networks and facilitates the dissemination of safety education to parents and medical professionals in maternity hospitals and pediatric services.
These partnerships enable a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that combines education, enforcement, healthcare, prevention, and community engagement to improve child passenger safety nationwide.
Rotary International District 2241 (Romania & Republic of Moldova)
Provides logistical support, community mobilization, and volunteer engagement, enabling the nationwide expansion of the Child Car Safety Caravan® and facilitating access to local communities.
Romanian Police (Traffic Police)
Supports road safety education efforts, contributes authority and enforcement perspective, participates in public demonstrations, and reinforces the legal framework and importance of compliance.
Titi Aur Academy
Provides road safety expertise, technical demonstrations, and crash dynamics education, helping translate risk scenarios into practical understanding for parents and professionals.
ATRIS Association
Supports technical guidance, professional training, and the dissemination of best practices in child passenger safety and injury prevention.
AVAC (Association for Victims of Road Accidents)
Brings the victim perspective into awareness activities, strengthening emotional impact and highlighting the real-life consequences of unsafe transport practices.
Medicover
Facilitates integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare settings and supports parental education through medical networks and preventive health programs.
Generali
Supports prevention and awareness initiatives through safety campaigns and corporate social responsibility programs aimed at reducing injury risks and promoting responsible behavior.
UNSAR (National Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Companies of Romania)
Promotes prevention-focused road safety initiatives, supports public awareness efforts, and contributes to a culture of risk reduction and injury prevention.
Coalition for Road Safety
Provides a collaborative platform that aligns public, private, and civil society stakeholders, strengthening policy dialogue and coordinated national safety actions.
ASSMB (Bucharest Municipal Administration for Hospitals and Medical Services)
Supports access to healthcare networks and facilitates the dissemination of safety education to parents and medical professionals in maternity hospitals and pediatric services.
These partnerships enable a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that combines education, enforcement, healthcare, prevention, and community engagement to improve child passenger safety nationwide.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
Since 2019, the Children Car Safety Foundation has implemented a nationwide, multi-level education and awareness program aimed at improving child passenger safety and promoting the correct use of child restraint systems.
The initiative combines community outreach, professional training, and large-scale digital education to address both behavioral and systemic barriers.
Key activities include:
1. National outreach and community education (2019–present)
Through the Child Car Safety Caravan®, organized in partnership with road police, medical professionals, safety experts, and civic organizations, parents receive free:
• child car seat checks and correct installation support
• hands-on demonstrations and crash simulation experiences
• guidance on choosing age- and size-appropriate restraint systems
• education on common misuse and risk factors
2. Professional training and interdisciplinary collaboration (2020–present)
Training sessions and workshops have been delivered for:
• healthcare professionals (pediatricians, midwives, nurses)
• road safety officers and first responders
• child safety technicians and retailers
• educators and community workers
These activities support the integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and community services.
3. Digital education and parent engagement (2019–present)
A large-scale online education platform provides evidence-based information through:
• webinars and live Q&A sessions
• instructional videos and safety guides
• myth-busting campaigns addressing misinformation
• social media outreach and community discussions
Today, this ecosystem supports the largest online educational community in the EU dedicated exclusively to child passenger safety, engaging over 106,000 parents.
4. Public awareness and media campaigns (2019–present)
National media appearances, partnerships, and awareness campaigns have amplified safety messaging and promoted behavior change at population level.
5. Policy alignment and institutional partnerships (2019–present)
The initiative supports the objectives of the National Road Safety Strategy 2022–2030 and is implemented in collaboration with public institutions, professional organizations, and road safety stakeholders.
Implementation period: 2019 – present (ongoing, scalable and replicable model)
The initiative combines community outreach, professional training, and large-scale digital education to address both behavioral and systemic barriers.
Key activities include:
1. National outreach and community education (2019–present)
Through the Child Car Safety Caravan®, organized in partnership with road police, medical professionals, safety experts, and civic organizations, parents receive free:
• child car seat checks and correct installation support
• hands-on demonstrations and crash simulation experiences
• guidance on choosing age- and size-appropriate restraint systems
• education on common misuse and risk factors
2. Professional training and interdisciplinary collaboration (2020–present)
Training sessions and workshops have been delivered for:
• healthcare professionals (pediatricians, midwives, nurses)
• road safety officers and first responders
• child safety technicians and retailers
• educators and community workers
These activities support the integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and community services.
3. Digital education and parent engagement (2019–present)
A large-scale online education platform provides evidence-based information through:
• webinars and live Q&A sessions
• instructional videos and safety guides
• myth-busting campaigns addressing misinformation
• social media outreach and community discussions
Today, this ecosystem supports the largest online educational community in the EU dedicated exclusively to child passenger safety, engaging over 106,000 parents.
4. Public awareness and media campaigns (2019–present)
National media appearances, partnerships, and awareness campaigns have amplified safety messaging and promoted behavior change at population level.
5. Policy alignment and institutional partnerships (2019–present)
The initiative supports the objectives of the National Road Safety Strategy 2022–2030 and is implemented in collaboration with public institutions, professional organizations, and road safety stakeholders.
Implementation period: 2019 – present (ongoing, scalable and replicable model)
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
One of the strongest success factors of the initiative has been the combination of hands-on community engagement with evidence-based education. Parents responded particularly well to practical demonstrations, child car seat checks, and crash simulation experiences, which transformed abstract safety messages into tangible understanding.
The integration of medical professionals and safety experts increased credibility and trust, helping parents move from misinformation and marketing-driven choices toward evidence-based decisions.
The development of a large digital education ecosystem significantly expanded reach and continuity of learning. Online sessions, instructional materials, and moderated discussions enabled ongoing support beyond in-person events and helped build a community of over 106,000 engaged parents.
Partnerships with public institutions, road police, healthcare professionals, and civic organizations strengthened legitimacy, improved access to communities, and aligned the initiative with national road safety objectives.
Media engagement further amplified awareness, bringing child passenger safety into mainstream public discourse.
Challenges and barriers overcome
A major challenge was the low baseline awareness and the normalization of unsafe practices, including early transition to forward-facing seats, incorrect installation, and reliance on informal advice.
Misinformation driven by marketing messages and outdated practices created confusion among parents. Addressing these misconceptions required consistent, evidence-based communication and repeated engagement.
Socio-economic disparities affected access to safety equipment and professional guidance, requiring outreach efforts in diverse communities and free educational services.
Another challenge was the absence of systematic integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and prenatal care. Building interdisciplinary collaboration required time, trust-building, and sustained advocacy.
Behavior change also proved to be a gradual process. While awareness can increase rapidly, correct and consistent use requires reinforcement through education, demonstration, and community support.
The experience demonstrates that sustained education, trusted partnerships, and practical guidance are essential to achieving long-term behavioral change and improving child passenger safety outcomes.
The integration of medical professionals and safety experts increased credibility and trust, helping parents move from misinformation and marketing-driven choices toward evidence-based decisions.
The development of a large digital education ecosystem significantly expanded reach and continuity of learning. Online sessions, instructional materials, and moderated discussions enabled ongoing support beyond in-person events and helped build a community of over 106,000 engaged parents.
Partnerships with public institutions, road police, healthcare professionals, and civic organizations strengthened legitimacy, improved access to communities, and aligned the initiative with national road safety objectives.
Media engagement further amplified awareness, bringing child passenger safety into mainstream public discourse.
Challenges and barriers overcome
A major challenge was the low baseline awareness and the normalization of unsafe practices, including early transition to forward-facing seats, incorrect installation, and reliance on informal advice.
Misinformation driven by marketing messages and outdated practices created confusion among parents. Addressing these misconceptions required consistent, evidence-based communication and repeated engagement.
Socio-economic disparities affected access to safety equipment and professional guidance, requiring outreach efforts in diverse communities and free educational services.
Another challenge was the absence of systematic integration of child passenger safety education into healthcare and prenatal care. Building interdisciplinary collaboration required time, trust-building, and sustained advocacy.
Behavior change also proved to be a gradual process. While awareness can increase rapidly, correct and consistent use requires reinforcement through education, demonstration, and community support.
The experience demonstrates that sustained education, trusted partnerships, and practical guidance are essential to achieving long-term behavioral change and improving child passenger safety outcomes.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
The impact of the initiative has been evaluated using a combination of behavioral indicators, national and European statistics, participation data, and community engagement metrics.
The most significant indicator is the documented increase in child restraint system use in Romania. In 2019, European data indicated that only around one quarter of child passengers were transported using appropriate restraint systems. According to the most recent European Commission report Monitoring Road safety progress in the EU – Romania (2026), usage has increased to:
• 66.7% based on roadside observations
• 63.0% based on in-vehicle inspections
This places Romania close to the EU average of 67%, representing a major improvement in child passenger safety within five years.
While this progress reflects national efforts aligned with the Road Safety Strategy 2022–2030, it coincides with the expansion of sustained education and awareness programs delivered by the initiative.
Additional evaluation methods include:
• participation numbers and on-site engagement during community events and safety caravans
• professional training attendance and interdisciplinary involvement
• parent feedback collected during events and follow-up communication
• surveys and direct testimonials documenting behavior change and correct seat usage
• digital engagement metrics, including reach, interaction rates, and sustained participation in an online community of over 106,000 parents
• media coverage and public awareness indicators
Together, these quantitative and qualitative indicators demonstrate increased awareness, improved correct use of child restraint systems, and measurable progress toward EU road safety targets.
The most significant indicator is the documented increase in child restraint system use in Romania. In 2019, European data indicated that only around one quarter of child passengers were transported using appropriate restraint systems. According to the most recent European Commission report Monitoring Road safety progress in the EU – Romania (2026), usage has increased to:
• 66.7% based on roadside observations
• 63.0% based on in-vehicle inspections
This places Romania close to the EU average of 67%, representing a major improvement in child passenger safety within five years.
While this progress reflects national efforts aligned with the Road Safety Strategy 2022–2030, it coincides with the expansion of sustained education and awareness programs delivered by the initiative.
Additional evaluation methods include:
• participation numbers and on-site engagement during community events and safety caravans
• professional training attendance and interdisciplinary involvement
• parent feedback collected during events and follow-up communication
• surveys and direct testimonials documenting behavior change and correct seat usage
• digital engagement metrics, including reach, interaction rates, and sustained participation in an online community of over 106,000 parents
• media coverage and public awareness indicators
Together, these quantitative and qualitative indicators demonstrate increased awareness, improved correct use of child restraint systems, and measurable progress toward EU road safety targets.
What has been the effect of the activities?
The initiative has contributed to measurable improvements in child passenger safety awareness, behavior, and correct use of child restraint systems in Romania.
The most significant effect is the substantial increase in child restraint system use. In 2019, European data indicated that only around one quarter of child passengers were transported using appropriate restraint systems. According to the 2026 European Commission report Monitoring Road Safety Progress in the EU – Romania, usage has increased to 66.7% based on roadside observations and 63.0% based on in-vehicle inspections, placing Romania close to the EU average of 67%.
Beyond statistical improvement, the initiative has generated important behavioral and societal changes:
• increased parental awareness of age- and size-appropriate child restraint systems
• improved correct installation and use of car seats
• delayed transition to forward-facing travel and safer transport practices
• reduced reliance on misinformation and marketing-driven choices
• increased demand for professional guidance and certified safety advice
The initiative has also strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating healthcare professionals, road safety experts, and public institutions into prevention efforts.
Child passenger safety has gained greater visibility in public discourse and media, contributing to a cultural shift toward prevention and responsible transport of children.
Through sustained education, community engagement, and professional collaboration, the initiative supports long-term behavioral change and contributes to reducing preventable injuries and fatalities among child passengers.
The most significant effect is the substantial increase in child restraint system use. In 2019, European data indicated that only around one quarter of child passengers were transported using appropriate restraint systems. According to the 2026 European Commission report Monitoring Road Safety Progress in the EU – Romania, usage has increased to 66.7% based on roadside observations and 63.0% based on in-vehicle inspections, placing Romania close to the EU average of 67%.
Beyond statistical improvement, the initiative has generated important behavioral and societal changes:
• increased parental awareness of age- and size-appropriate child restraint systems
• improved correct installation and use of car seats
• delayed transition to forward-facing travel and safer transport practices
• reduced reliance on misinformation and marketing-driven choices
• increased demand for professional guidance and certified safety advice
The initiative has also strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating healthcare professionals, road safety experts, and public institutions into prevention efforts.
Child passenger safety has gained greater visibility in public discourse and media, contributing to a cultural shift toward prevention and responsible transport of children.
Through sustained education, community engagement, and professional collaboration, the initiative supports long-term behavioral change and contributes to reducing preventable injuries and fatalities among child passengers.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
This initiative represents an effective model for improving road safety because it addresses one of the most preventable risk factors for child injury and death in traffic: the incorrect or absent use of child restraint systems.
By combining hands-on education, professional training, community outreach, and large-scale digital engagement, the program tackles both behavioral and systemic barriers to safe child transport.
Its multidisciplinary approach integrates healthcare professionals, road safety authorities, civil society, and private sector partners, ensuring credibility, national reach, and sustainability.
The initiative has contributed to a significant increase in child restraint use in Romania, bringing national rates close to the EU average within five years, and demonstrates how sustained education and cross-sector collaboration can generate measurable behavioral change.
Because it is scalable, evidence-based, and adaptable to different communities, the model can be replicated to support child passenger safety improvements across Europe.
By combining hands-on education, professional training, community outreach, and large-scale digital engagement, the program tackles both behavioral and systemic barriers to safe child transport.
Its multidisciplinary approach integrates healthcare professionals, road safety authorities, civil society, and private sector partners, ensuring credibility, national reach, and sustainability.
The initiative has contributed to a significant increase in child restraint use in Romania, bringing national rates close to the EU average within five years, and demonstrates how sustained education and cross-sector collaboration can generate measurable behavioral change.
Because it is scalable, evidence-based, and adaptable to different communities, the model can be replicated to support child passenger safety improvements across Europe.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
Information about the initiative and its results has been disseminated through a comprehensive communication strategy designed to reach both the general public and professional audiences.
Project milestones and impact results have been shared through press releases distributed to national media outlets, ensuring broad public visibility and transparency.
Press conferences and media briefings have been organized during major campaign milestones and national awareness events, providing journalists with access to experts, demonstrations, and data on child passenger safety.
The initiative has also been promoted through:
• national and local television and radio appearances
• news articles and interviews in print and online media
• public awareness campaigns and partner communication channels
• conferences, professional events, and road safety forums
• social media platforms and live educational sessions
• the foundation’s website and digital educational resources
In addition, partners and institutional stakeholders amplify messaging through their own communication networks, extending reach and reinforcing consistent safety messages.
This multi-channel dissemination strategy ensures transparency, public engagement, and sustained awareness of the initiative’s results and road safety benefits.
Project milestones and impact results have been shared through press releases distributed to national media outlets, ensuring broad public visibility and transparency.
Press conferences and media briefings have been organized during major campaign milestones and national awareness events, providing journalists with access to experts, demonstrations, and data on child passenger safety.
The initiative has also been promoted through:
• national and local television and radio appearances
• news articles and interviews in print and online media
• public awareness campaigns and partner communication channels
• conferences, professional events, and road safety forums
• social media platforms and live educational sessions
• the foundation’s website and digital educational resources
In addition, partners and institutional stakeholders amplify messaging through their own communication networks, extending reach and reinforcing consistent safety messages.
This multi-channel dissemination strategy ensures transparency, public engagement, and sustained awareness of the initiative’s results and road safety benefits.
