Initiative details
Due to the necessities of the road network, generally road works occur whilst roads are still open for use by all classes of road users. Hence it is important that the pedestrian, vehicular and cycling traffic is designed and managed to reduce the safety risks of users.
Research has shown that the risk of a serious traffic collision at or in a road works site is three to five times more than on other parts of the road network (CAREC, 2018).
The implementation and maintenance of the road safety measures at work sites is important but it is equally important that all road users understand and appreciate the safety risks and the operational aspects of such work sites.
We have identified the need for specific Road Safety Awareness Education and Training with FOCUS ON WORK SITES. This aspect is commonly omitted from general Road Safety Education Programmes. Road users, namely passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians across different age groups are addressed.
Research has shown that the risk of a serious traffic collision at or in a road works site is three to five times more than on other parts of the road network (CAREC, 2018).
The implementation and maintenance of the road safety measures at work sites is important but it is equally important that all road users understand and appreciate the safety risks and the operational aspects of such work sites.
We have identified the need for specific Road Safety Awareness Education and Training with FOCUS ON WORK SITES. This aspect is commonly omitted from general Road Safety Education Programmes. Road users, namely passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians across different age groups are addressed.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Children 0-16
Young adults 17-25
Adults
Parents
Seniors
Car drivers
Car drivers – professional
Emergency services
Public transport
Van drivers
Lorry/truck drivers
Cyclists
Powered two wheeler riders (excluding micromobility)
Pedestrians
Topic
Education in school or in community organizations
Organisation details
Transport Malta
Local Public authority
Malta
Lija
Contact name
Dr Audrey Demicoli
Telephone number
0035699585643
audrey.demicoli.2@transport.gov.mt
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
We work closely with the Heads of Schools and the Department of Education with whom we coordinate to deliver the sessions during school hours and during vacations as part of the Ministry for Education Campaigns SkolaSajf and EkoSkola. Refer to https://futuremobility.gov.mt section on EVENTS.
We also work with local councils and other government departments to reach out to adults and older adults as part of their social responsibility activities.
We also work with local councils and other government departments to reach out to adults and older adults as part of their social responsibility activities.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
We started off with a trial session delivering hands-on talks in schools and in local councils in January 2024 and now we are running a full programme. The programme follows a systematic delivery of information using various teaching aids to ensure that sessions are interactive. See full programme attached. The topics addressed during the sessions are as follows:
Training Higher risk – traffic sensitivity of the location due to a change in roadside scenario;
Training Road Safety Equipment – its use, function and importance;
Training Temporary Signage and Road Markings – their meaning and importance;
Training Use of Pedestrian Crossings – temporary or permanent pedestrian facilities at and around road work sites;
Training speed reduction at road works – importance of adhering to the temporary posted speed limits;
Training Vehicle Blind Spots – high safety risks within the work site, at access points for construction vehicles, on the approaches to the work site.
Training Higher risk – traffic sensitivity of the location due to a change in roadside scenario;
Training Road Safety Equipment – its use, function and importance;
Training Temporary Signage and Road Markings – their meaning and importance;
Training Use of Pedestrian Crossings – temporary or permanent pedestrian facilities at and around road work sites;
Training speed reduction at road works – importance of adhering to the temporary posted speed limits;
Training Vehicle Blind Spots – high safety risks within the work site, at access points for construction vehicles, on the approaches to the work site.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
The trial sessions held with children and older adults were very important because they helped us to further fine tune the programme itself and the focus of the information delivered. The teaching aids used to cover each topic are very important because they help us explain better the message we need to convey. These teaching aids also enable us to make the training sessions more interactive and engaging for participants. The programme uses basically the same teaching aids across all age groups however the mode of delivery is different from one age group to another. The first challenge to overcome was to find teaching aids which we could use. We had to be very creative and procured different materials and repurposed them for our needs. The second challenge was to create a programme with teaching aids which did not require a power supply to be delivered so that we could be flexible enough to be able to deliver the sessions anywhere.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
We identified a gap in the road safety education programmes being delivered across various countries and we noted that such education programmes do not make reference or emphasis to road safety and awareness at or near road work sites for road users. This concept was presented at a webinar of the International Road Federation (IRF), presentation attached. After the presentation, Mr Phil Luke form IRF confirmed that nobody else seems to be doing this type of road safety education programme, see email attached.
Also, we have had very positive feedback from schools and local councils who contacted us directly to carry out such sessions.
The programme was also featured on a local newspaper, article attached, and on the social media pages of Transport Malta.
Since January 2024, various schools and entities have reached out to us and we have visited 48 schools, departmental and local council activities.
Also, we have had very positive feedback from schools and local councils who contacted us directly to carry out such sessions.
The programme was also featured on a local newspaper, article attached, and on the social media pages of Transport Malta.
Since January 2024, various schools and entities have reached out to us and we have visited 48 schools, departmental and local council activities.
What has been the effect of the activities?
These activities have promoted awareness of the road safety risks and hazards associated with road works sites and how road users are to interpret and safety co-exist with such sensitive roadside scenarios.
To continue this momentum, we will be expanding our outreach by designing an interactive online link for different age groups which will emphasise the key deliverables and learning outcomes. Transport Malta is now also working to achieve formal accreditation in line with E/MQF level of certification for the full Road Safety Education Course which includes this special section on Road Safety Focus on Road Works.
To continue this momentum, we will be expanding our outreach by designing an interactive online link for different age groups which will emphasise the key deliverables and learning outcomes. Transport Malta is now also working to achieve formal accreditation in line with E/MQF level of certification for the full Road Safety Education Course which includes this special section on Road Safety Focus on Road Works.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
Road works are part of the cyclic operational process which involves initial road construction, road modification works and maintenance.
Due to the necessities of the road network, generally road works occur whilst roads are still open for use by all classes of road users. Hence it is important that the pedestrian, vehicular and cycling traffic is designed and managed to reduce the safety risks of users.
Research has shown that the risk of a serious traffic collision at or in a road works site is three to five times more than on other parts of the road network (CAREC, 2018).
Ongoing road works will always create some degree of disruption and increased safety risk to road users.
Due to the necessities of the road network, generally road works occur whilst roads are still open for use by all classes of road users. Hence it is important that the pedestrian, vehicular and cycling traffic is designed and managed to reduce the safety risks of users.
Research has shown that the risk of a serious traffic collision at or in a road works site is three to five times more than on other parts of the road network (CAREC, 2018).
Ongoing road works will always create some degree of disruption and increased safety risk to road users.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
We have shared information at the International Road Federation, on social media and in the local press.