Pedestrians

Social media is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of young people and young adults in Belgium. The rise of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube has led to a new dynamic in the dissemination of information and opinions. This study stems from the concern that social media can normalise and even glorify not only positive but also risky behaviour in traffic. The main objective of this study was to map the prevalence, nature and impact of such content and thus contribute to a better understanding of the role of social media in road safety.

The first major challenge was to make this pastoral action known within the Church's own structure in Ourense. The CEE's Road Pastoral Department was created in Spain more than 50 years ago, but in many dioceses, no initiatives are carried out and priests are unaware of it. The surprising thing was that families, communities, and neighbors, as soon as we began working on these initiatives, began to follow us, asking for more action, and feeling supported in the loneliness caused by the loss of a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, or a car accident. Every year, the number of people participating in the scheduled sessions increases.

The main road safety challenges we are addressing relate to the increasing number and vulnerability of older road users in traffic.
As life expectancy increases and people remain mobile longer, the proportion of senior drivers is growing. This trend brings several safety-related challenges:
1. Age-related decline in driving abilities:
With age, many individuals experience reduced visual acuity, slower reaction times, decreased attention span, and limited cognitive and physical flexibility — all of which can impair driving performance and increase crash risk, particularly in complex traffic situations.

2. Lack of awareness about new traffic infrastructure and rules:
Many older drivers may not be familiar with modern traffic features such as roundabouts, dynamic signage, or changes in highway driving behavior. This lack of familiarity can lead to confusion, hesitation, or incorrect maneuvers.

3. Delayed self-recognition of diminished driving fitness:
Seniors often have difficulty recognizing or accepting their own limitations. Without proper guidance, they may continue driving when it is no longer safe, putting themselves and others at risk.

4. Insufficient communication about legal obligations:
Older drivers are often unaware of the legal requirements surrounding driver’s license renewal, mandatory medical assessments, and other responsibilities related to continued driving.

5. Limited knowledge about alternative mobility options:
When it becomes unsafe to drive, older adults may not know what options are available to them, which can lead to social isolation and a decline in independence.

6. Stereotypes and lack of societal support:
Older drivers are often unfairly stigmatized, which may discourage them from seeking help, discussing concerns, or exploring new solutions. At the same time, the broader community may not be sufficiently informed on how to support them.
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Our initiative addresses these problems through a combination of awareness-raising, education, respectful dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders. The goal is to promote safer, more confident participation of older adults in traffic — whether as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers.

Children and young people (till 25 years old) make up 41% of the world’s population (United Nations, 2024) and about 25% of this age group is represented in the EU population (Eurostat, 2024). They are an active group, often dependent on public space for movement and social interaction. Yet, that public space is not designed with them in mind, nor does it reflect their world and needs. This has consequences. Every day in Flanders, an average of 10 students (aged 3 to 18) are involved in traffic crashes on their way to school (VIAS Institute, 2019–2023). Over 60% of those victims were walking or cycling. In Europe there were still 455 fatalities amongst children and 2 388 fatalities amongst youth which shows that mobility is not yet inclusive, safe and of high quality for all.
Poorly adapted public space brings dangers and challenges, but it also has more subtle barriers. Children and young people are becoming increasingly less physically active. Regular movement is however essential for both their physical and mental health. One way to encourage this movement is by promoting walking and cycling from an early stage and at a young age.
Inadequate public space also negatively affects the independence of children and young people. About a quarter of students in Flanders are driven by car even for short trips between home and school. That’s unfortunate, because travelling independently helps children learn how to navigate their environment, assess risks, and interact with other road users. This builds confidence and equips them with the skills—and the right—to travel alone.