Styria to continue road-safety workshops for children

A road-safety workshop programme for primary schoolchildren in Styria is set to continue next year despite the state’s financial constraints, ORF reported, as e-scooters account for about a third of injured child road users.

Last year, 395 children and young people aged six to 14 were injured in traffic accidents in Styria. Distraction remains the leading cause of crashes, while newer forms of transport have also contributed to the rising figures.

The association Große schützen Kleine has run its “Eyes on the Road” workshops at primary schools across Styria since 2023, using games to teach children about traffic dangers. Project leader Indra Kern said parents and guardians also need to set a good example. Children have told the organisers that their parents use phones in the car, she said, adding that the workshops aim to make adults aware of their influence.

The state of Styria funds the workshops. More than 2,200 children have taken part since 2023, according to state transport councillor Claudia Holzer of the FPÖ. She said the programme would continue next year despite the state’s tight finances.