The introduction of safe school zones has sparked a transformative wave in road safety, significantly reducing road crashes and ensuring the safety of school-going children and pedestrians.
This proactive initiative has addressed the pressing road safety issue and set a precedent for sustainable urban planning and community engagement.
In the bustling streets of Kampala, where road safety has been a longstanding concern, a glimmer of hope shines through the implementation of Safe School Zones.
Safe school zones involve placing school signposts, painting zebra crossings, and putting humps near schools.
These designated areas surrounding schools have become a beacon of safety for thousands of children who walk to school daily, fostering a collaborative effort between parents, students, and teachers to curb road crashes and ensure the well-being of young learners.
These measures have seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among motorists and pedestrians alike.
The impact of safe school zones on curbing road crashes transcends mere statistics; it resonates in the narratives of families spared from the anguish of losing loved ones to preventable crashes. These zones have emerged as beacons of hope through a collaborative effort involving government authorities, local communities, and advocacy groups, showcasing the tangible outcomes of proactive governance and community empowerment.
Sarah Kiiza, a devoted mother of two whose daily routine involves navigating the chaotic roads of Wakiso district to ensure her children reach school safely, says before the establishment of Safe School Zones, her heart would skip a beat every time her children crossed the bustling streets, dodging speeding vehicles and unruly drivers.
However, she notes that the introduction of these zones relieved her, as she knew that designated areas were now prioritizing the safety of school children.
Kizza remarks, “I no longer fear for my children’s safety when they walk to school. The measures have instilled a sense of security in our community and reminded us of our shared responsibility in safeguarding our children’s future.”
Brian Kabuye, a 14-year-old at St Augustine Secondary School in Wakiso district, says the road safety features near his school represent a newfound sense of freedom and security.
“I used to be scared of crossing the road alone, but now I feel safe with the presence of these humps and the zebra crossing. It’s like having a guardian angel watching over us,” he shares, beaming confidently.
Teachers, too, have witnessed Safe School Zones’ positive impact on their students’ overall well-being.
James Wamboya, a teacher at Jack and Jill Primary School in the Kabalagala suburb of Kampala who has been teaching for the past twenty years, highlights the shift in the school environment since these safety measures were introduced.
“We have seen a significant decrease in road-related incidents involving our learners. The zones have made the journey to school safer and created a culture of awareness and responsibility among our young learners,” he observes.
Civil society organizations have also played a crucial role in championing the cause of safe school zones in Kampala.
Henry Mugisa, a programme officer at Uganda Road Accident Reduction Network Organisation (URRENO), an NGO advocating for road safety, says the organisation has vigorously engaged in sensitising schools to the implementation of safe school zones.
He attests that establishing these zones is starting to yield fruit in reducing road crashes involving school-going children.
“Specifically, around schools, we have advocated for speed calming features such as zebra crossings, which are visible to help children cross the roads. But even at the zebra crossings, schools have made sure they have crossing guides. They are usually called lollipops. These help children cross from one side of the road to another in the morning and evening.”
Source: UBC
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