Safe routes to school: Sugar cone party inspires 2,500 preschoolers in Dresden!

Safe routes to school: Sugar cone party inspires 2,500 preschoolers in Dresden!

At a colorful celebration under the motto “Start of School” today, almost 2,500 preschool children received their well-deserved sugar cones at the Junge Garde in Dresden. The ABC shooting party was a successful preparation for the coming trip to school. Organized by the Saxony State Traffic Police, the ADAC Saxony and the Dresden Police Department, the event attracted visitors with an entertaining program: soap bubbles, an exuberant mascot parade and music from “Flo and Lotta”. Another highlight was the ceremonial handover of 2,470 sugar bags, which made the children's smiling faces shine even brighter.

State Minister Conrad Clemens, who took part in the handover, left no doubt about how important it is to make the little ones fit for road traffic. In his statement he explained: “Children must learn to find their way in traffic and also recognize the possible dangers.” This concern also echoed the statement of MdL Andreas Nowak, who emphasized the importance of traffic safety exercises in kindergarten.

Make your way to school safe

With the impending start of school, many children will be making their way to school independently for the first time. How ACV notes, the risk of accidents on the way to school increases significantly. In 2016, there were over 111,000 reportable accidents on the way to school in Germany alone, tragically 31 of which were fatal. Parents should therefore take the time to determine and practice the route to school together with their children in order to create the necessary sense of security.

Experts recommend that parents accompany their children in the first few weeks of school and ensure that the safest possible routes are chosen. It is advisable to monitor the traffic situation around the school and use reflective clothing and school bags with reflectors, especially in the dark season. “The shortest route is not always the safest,” emphasize traffic experts.

Educational work and initiatives

The city and various institutions are actively committed to the road safety of children. Loud BMDV In 2023 alone, over 27,000 children had accidents in road traffic, with 44 of them losing their lives - 22 as pedestrians. These alarming figures illustrate the need for programs such as the German Road Safety Council's “Child and Traffic” program, which offers free training for parents in daycare centers.

In addition, various initiatives such as the “Käpt’n Blaubär traffic guide” are available, which serves as a source of information for young road users. Programs such as “Blicki blick’s”, which addresses the dangers of blind spots, are also part of the comprehensive measures to raise awareness and educate children.

The road safety of our children is important to all of us. Events like the ABC shooting party are not just a nice occasion, but an essential step towards a safe route to school. Together we are working towards the goal of Vision Zero - no seriously injured or deceased children in traffic. This is a goal worth fighting for.