Organisation Who is Zavod VOZIM, and what is your role as a Charter Ambassador?
Zavod VOZIM is a Slovenian NGO dedicated to improving road safety and supporting people affected by traffic accidents. Through youth education programmes, public awareness campaigns and storytelling based on real‑life experiences, we promote responsible behaviour in traffic and safer mobility choices.
As an Ambassador of the European Road Safety Charter, Zavod VOZIM strengthens the Charter’s visibility in Slovenia. We promote the Charter among institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders, encourage new members to join, and support the exchange of good practices. A particular focus is placed on promoting the Excellence in Road Safety Awards.
Why did you decide to join the European Road Safety Charter?
For Zavod VOZIM, joining the Charter was a natural step. Our work already centres on prevention, education and raising awareness among young people — one of the most vulnerable groups in traffic. Through the Charter, we can connect our local experience with wider European initiatives, contribute to joint efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries, and encourage more organisations in Slovenia to actively engage in road safety activities.
What are your main focus areas and current projects?
Our core focus is prevention and education, particularly among young people. We develop long‑term programmes, workshops and communication campaigns that encourage responsible behaviour and safer mobility choices.
Key initiatives include:
- Heroji furajo v pižamah — a national programme addressing drink‑driving and responsible decisions when going out.
- Ne bluzi, z glavo kruzi — a campaign promoting safe micromobility and responsible use of e‑scooters.
- Erasmus+ youth projects — developing innovative methods for youth empowerment, prevention and responsible lifestyles.
Who do you collaborate with?
Collaboration is central to our work. We cooperate daily with a wide range of partners at the local and national levels.
Our key partners include schools, youth organisations, municipalities, youth centres, and national institutions responsible for road safety, public health and education. We also work closely with the police, mobility and prevention experts, and organisations supporting victims of traffic accidents, including associations of paraplegic and quadriplegic people.
At the European level, we collaborate through Erasmus+ networks and partnerships focused on youth work, prevention and community engagement.
What advice would you give to organisations working on road safety?
Road safety initiatives are most effective when they go beyond traditional awareness campaigns. Actively involving young people and local communities leads to more relevant and impactful results. When young people help design activities and messages, prevention becomes more meaningful.
Cooperation is equally essential. Road safety cannot be addressed by a single organisation; partnerships between NGOs, institutions, schools and local authorities are key. Communication should be relatable and authentic: real stories, peer‑to‑peer approaches and creative formats help make prevention messages easier for young people to understand.