Initiative details
The danger for children in traffic increases significantly in darkness or poor visibility. Children are often overlooked in such conditions because their small size and usually dark clothing make them difficult for drivers to see. Without adequate lighting or reflective materials, they are especially at risk, as they are noticed much later than adults. Additionally, children often react impulsively and unpredictably in traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.
It is particularly critical that children have difficulty judging distances and the speed of vehicles. This ability is further impaired in the dark. Drivers also have limited visibility in the dark and need more time to react to unexpected obstacles. Glare from street lighting, oncoming vehicles, or bad weather exacerbates the situation.
Another problem is that children often do not realize that they are harder to see in poor lighting conditions. They rely on drivers always seeing and stopping for them. This misjudgment can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important that children learn early on how to improve their visibility in traffic.
It is particularly critical that children have difficulty judging distances and the speed of vehicles. This ability is further impaired in the dark. Drivers also have limited visibility in the dark and need more time to react to unexpected obstacles. Glare from street lighting, oncoming vehicles, or bad weather exacerbates the situation.
Another problem is that children often do not realize that they are harder to see in poor lighting conditions. They rely on drivers always seeing and stopping for them. This misjudgment can be dangerous. Therefore, it is important that children learn early on how to improve their visibility in traffic.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Children 0-16
Topic
Education in school or in community organizations
Organisation details
KFV Sicherheit-Service GmbH
Enterprise
Austria
Vienna
Contact name
Stefan Gröchenig
Telephone number
+43 5 77 077 2850
stefan.groechenig@kfv.at
Website link
Project activities
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
“Firefly” is an innovative and lovingly designed workshop aimed at kindergarten children and first graders. The goal of this workshop is to raise awareness about visibility and to sensitize both children and their parents to the dangers of traffic.
The children learn in a playful way that bright clothing or reflectors make them more visible to drivers and therefore much safer. Two hand puppets, the firefly “Glitzi” and the hen “Berta”, help them to understand the differences between “being seen” and “not being seen”. A craft kit is provided free of charge so that teachers can follow up on the topic of “visibility” after the workshop. With the help of the materials, the children can actively engage with the topic and transform themselves into shining fireflies, for example by making their own reflectors.
A humorous introduction with hand puppets: The core of the action is a hand puppet story that humorously and child-appropriately addresses the dangers of darkness or poor visibility. The protagonists of the story are lovable hand puppets that take the children on an exciting journey. These puppets experience various adventures, encountering situations where visibility in traffic plays a crucial role. Through these stories, children can be emotionally engaged and excited about the topic.
Learning through playful experiments and games: In addition to the hand puppet story, the “Firefly” workshop also offers practical elements that deepen theoretical knowledge and playfully teach children how reflectors work. Through experiments or games, children can experience for themselves how light is reflected and how they become more visible as a result. These interactive learning methods not only provide fun but also a deep understanding and lasting retention of the knowledge gained.
Important insights for the children: By participating in the “Firefly” workshop, children learn the critical role that visibility plays in traffic safety. They realize that by wearing reflective materials, bright clothing, or vests, they can significantly increase their own safety. This knowledge is not only integrated into lessons but also reinforced through repetition and practical exercises. In addition to the knowledge they take with them, the children receive a reflective tag that they can hang on their school bag.
Parents as important multipliers: Another crucial aspect of the “Firefly” workshop is the involvement of parents. Children are encouraged to share what they have learned at home and to make their parents aware of the importance of visibility. This creates a double effect: on one hand, children become safer in traffic, and on the other hand, awareness of the topic is strengthened within families. Parents are prompted by their children to pay attention to reflective materials and to take appropriate safety measures.
Success and positive feedback: The workshop has been well received in many kindergartens and schools. Educators and teachers report positive feedback from the children and noticeable improvements in their behaviour in traffic. The stories and games are enthusiastically received, and children proudly pass on the knowledge they have acquired.
The goal is to expand “Firefly” workshop further and reach even more children and parents. Additional materials and training sessions for educators and teachers are planned to ensure the sustainability of the action. In the long term, the workshop aims to become an integral part of traffic education in kindergartens and schools, thus making a significant contribution to the safety of our youngest road users.
The children learn in a playful way that bright clothing or reflectors make them more visible to drivers and therefore much safer. Two hand puppets, the firefly “Glitzi” and the hen “Berta”, help them to understand the differences between “being seen” and “not being seen”. A craft kit is provided free of charge so that teachers can follow up on the topic of “visibility” after the workshop. With the help of the materials, the children can actively engage with the topic and transform themselves into shining fireflies, for example by making their own reflectors.
A humorous introduction with hand puppets: The core of the action is a hand puppet story that humorously and child-appropriately addresses the dangers of darkness or poor visibility. The protagonists of the story are lovable hand puppets that take the children on an exciting journey. These puppets experience various adventures, encountering situations where visibility in traffic plays a crucial role. Through these stories, children can be emotionally engaged and excited about the topic.
Learning through playful experiments and games: In addition to the hand puppet story, the “Firefly” workshop also offers practical elements that deepen theoretical knowledge and playfully teach children how reflectors work. Through experiments or games, children can experience for themselves how light is reflected and how they become more visible as a result. These interactive learning methods not only provide fun but also a deep understanding and lasting retention of the knowledge gained.
Important insights for the children: By participating in the “Firefly” workshop, children learn the critical role that visibility plays in traffic safety. They realize that by wearing reflective materials, bright clothing, or vests, they can significantly increase their own safety. This knowledge is not only integrated into lessons but also reinforced through repetition and practical exercises. In addition to the knowledge they take with them, the children receive a reflective tag that they can hang on their school bag.
Parents as important multipliers: Another crucial aspect of the “Firefly” workshop is the involvement of parents. Children are encouraged to share what they have learned at home and to make their parents aware of the importance of visibility. This creates a double effect: on one hand, children become safer in traffic, and on the other hand, awareness of the topic is strengthened within families. Parents are prompted by their children to pay attention to reflective materials and to take appropriate safety measures.
Success and positive feedback: The workshop has been well received in many kindergartens and schools. Educators and teachers report positive feedback from the children and noticeable improvements in their behaviour in traffic. The stories and games are enthusiastically received, and children proudly pass on the knowledge they have acquired.
The goal is to expand “Firefly” workshop further and reach even more children and parents. Additional materials and training sessions for educators and teachers are planned to ensure the sustainability of the action. In the long term, the workshop aims to become an integral part of traffic education in kindergartens and schools, thus making a significant contribution to the safety of our youngest road users.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
The interactive and child-friendly design of the workshops proved to be particularly effective in implementing the Firefly campaign. The hand puppet story and the creative craft activities were met with great enthusiasm by the children and helped to convey the important topic of visibility in road traffic in a playful way.
One challenge was to provide sufficient materials and resources for the large number of participating schools and kindergartens. However, through the financial support of our external partners, we were able to overcome this challenge and secured funding throughout Austria.
One challenge was to provide sufficient materials and resources for the large number of participating schools and kindergartens. However, through the financial support of our external partners, we were able to overcome this challenge and secured funding throughout Austria.
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
• AUVA (General Accident Insurance Institution): Co-finances a large part of the workshops
• Province of Styria: Commissioner and funder of additional 100 workshops in the province of Styria
• External, trained workshop supervisors
• Province of Styria: Commissioner and funder of additional 100 workshops in the province of Styria
• External, trained workshop supervisors
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
We have thoroughly evaluated the “Firefly” workshop by reviewing the current traffic statistics from Statistik Austria. These statistics provide valuable insights into the development of accident numbers and help us objectively assess the effectiveness of our measures. Additionally, we regularly send out questionnaires to participating schools and kindergartens to gather direct feedback from teachers, educators, and parents. These questionnaires are an essential tool for understanding how the workshop is perceived on the ground and identifying concrete improvements in the visibility and behaviour of children in traffic.
Teachers and educators report increased awareness among children of traffic dangers and greater acceptance and use of reflective materials. Parents also confirm the positive changes and support the continuation of the workshop.
This positive feedback motivates us to further expand the “Firefly” workshop and reach even more children. We plan to continuously improve and extend the measures to ensure the long-term safety of our youngest road users and prevent accidents.
Teachers and educators report increased awareness among children of traffic dangers and greater acceptance and use of reflective materials. Parents also confirm the positive changes and support the continuation of the workshop.
This positive feedback motivates us to further expand the “Firefly” workshop and reach even more children. We plan to continuously improve and extend the measures to ensure the long-term safety of our youngest road users and prevent accidents.
What has been the effect of the activities?
We have comprehensively evaluated the “Firefly” workshop by examining the current traffic statistics from Statistics Austria. These statistics provide us with valuable insights into the development of accident figures and help us to objectively assess the effectiveness of our measures.
Over the last 6 years, the data from Statistics Austria show a significant improvement in road safety for children. The number of accidents involving children aged 0 to 14 due to poor visibility has fallen from 226 in 2017 to 165 in 2022. This indicates that measures such as for example the “Firefly” workshop have a positive impact on road safety. Such statistical insights are crucial in order to make targeted improvements and make the Firefly workshop even more effective.
In addition to the quantitative data, we collected qualitative feedback from the participating schools and kindergartens. This feedback confirms that the children have developed a better understanding of the importance of visibility in road traffic because of the “Firefly” workshop. Teachers and educators report an increased use of reflective materials and a more conscious behaviour of children in traffic.
Over the last 6 years, the data from Statistics Austria show a significant improvement in road safety for children. The number of accidents involving children aged 0 to 14 due to poor visibility has fallen from 226 in 2017 to 165 in 2022. This indicates that measures such as for example the “Firefly” workshop have a positive impact on road safety. Such statistical insights are crucial in order to make targeted improvements and make the Firefly workshop even more effective.
In addition to the quantitative data, we collected qualitative feedback from the participating schools and kindergartens. This feedback confirms that the children have developed a better understanding of the importance of visibility in road traffic because of the “Firefly” workshop. Teachers and educators report an increased use of reflective materials and a more conscious behaviour of children in traffic.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
The "Firefly" workshop exemplifies an outstanding initiative for improving road safety, particularly for young children, through its innovative and comprehensive approach. Here's why it serves as a good example:
• Holistic approach: The workshop addresses road safety issues holistically, targeting both children and parents. By involving parents, the initiative ensures that safety awareness extends beyond the classroom, creating a broader impact within families and communities.
• Engaging and interactive learning: The use of hand puppets, storytelling, and interactive games makes the learning process engaging and enjoyable for children. This approach fosters better understanding and retention of important safety concepts.
• Practical application: Providing craft kits and reflective tags allows children to actively engage with the topic and apply their knowledge practically. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and empowers children to take action to enhance their own safety.
• Evaluation and improvement: The initiative's commitment to evaluating its effectiveness through traffic statistics and feedback from participants demonstrates a dedication to continuous improvement. By identifying areas for enhancement, the initiative can adapt and evolve to better meet the needs of its audience.
Other organizations and groups can learn from this good practice by:
• Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach: Involving parents, educators, and community members enhances the reach and impact of road safety initiatives.
• Utilizing interactive learning methods: Incorporating storytelling, games, and practical activities can make road safety education more engaging and effective, especially for young children.
• Evaluating impact: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of initiatives through data analysis and participant feedback allows for ongoing improvement and optimization.
Implementing a similar initiative may require resources and coordination, but with careful planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, it is achievable. By leveraging existing partnerships, educational resources, and community networks, organizations and groups can create impactful road safety initiatives tailored to their specific contexts and audiences.
• Holistic approach: The workshop addresses road safety issues holistically, targeting both children and parents. By involving parents, the initiative ensures that safety awareness extends beyond the classroom, creating a broader impact within families and communities.
• Engaging and interactive learning: The use of hand puppets, storytelling, and interactive games makes the learning process engaging and enjoyable for children. This approach fosters better understanding and retention of important safety concepts.
• Practical application: Providing craft kits and reflective tags allows children to actively engage with the topic and apply their knowledge practically. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and empowers children to take action to enhance their own safety.
• Evaluation and improvement: The initiative's commitment to evaluating its effectiveness through traffic statistics and feedback from participants demonstrates a dedication to continuous improvement. By identifying areas for enhancement, the initiative can adapt and evolve to better meet the needs of its audience.
Other organizations and groups can learn from this good practice by:
• Adopting a multi-stakeholder approach: Involving parents, educators, and community members enhances the reach and impact of road safety initiatives.
• Utilizing interactive learning methods: Incorporating storytelling, games, and practical activities can make road safety education more engaging and effective, especially for young children.
• Evaluating impact: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of initiatives through data analysis and participant feedback allows for ongoing improvement and optimization.
Implementing a similar initiative may require resources and coordination, but with careful planning and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, it is achievable. By leveraging existing partnerships, educational resources, and community networks, organizations and groups can create impactful road safety initiatives tailored to their specific contexts and audiences.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
Once a workshop has been completed, local media and newspapers from the region are informed about the event. In addition, a transparency report is published annually containing detailed information on the implementation of the workshop, the results achieved and the use of resources. These measures serve to keep the public informed about the activities of the workshop and to create transparency.
