As the new academic year begins in Algeria, experts are calling for enhanced security measures around schools to mitigate the risks of accidents. The start of the school year typically leads to increased traffic and pedestrian movement around educational institutions, heightening the risk of accidents. According to Nabila Ferhat, president of the National Association of Driving School Monitors, this period requires greater vigilance, coordination, and anticipation from drivers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Ferhat emphasizes the need for road safety awareness to be integrated into the educational curriculum, rather than being limited to sporadic campaigns. This would enable children to develop good habits, such as respecting traffic signs, using pedestrian crossings, and being attentive to vehicles. By instilling these habits from an early age, children can develop preventive reflexes that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The areas surrounding schools become particularly sensitive during peak hours, with the arrival and departure of students creating congestion. To address this, experts recommend reducing speed limits near schools, improving traffic organization, and increasing driver attention during peak periods. However, ensuring student safety is not solely the responsibility of drivers; it requires a coordinated effort from schools, families, local authorities, security services, and all road users.
Ferhat also highlights the need for awareness campaigns to focus on other risks faced by young people, including the consumption of drugs and psychotropic substances. She warns that driving under the influence of these substances can impair concentration, perception, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. To mitigate this, Ferhat advocates for preventive measures, including dialogue, psychological support, and education.
Parents play a vital role in preventing accidents, according to Ferhat. They should accompany their children and teach them safe behaviors when traveling to school, whether on foot or using public transport. This includes choosing safe routes, respecting traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, and avoiding distractions while crossing the road.
The Algerian expert stresses that protecting students is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the school gates. It requires a collaborative effort from families, schools, local authorities, security services, road professionals, and drivers. By working together, stakeholders can make prevention a daily practice, combining road safety, youth support, and awareness of high-risk behaviors.
As the new academic year begins, Algerian authorities face the challenge of implementing effective security measures to safeguard students. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, it is possible to reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for students to learn and grow. The authorities have yet to comment on the proposed measures.
Key points
- Algerian experts are calling for enhanced security measures around schools as the new academic year begins.
- Road safety awareness should be integrated into the educational curriculum to instill good habits in children.
- Protecting students requires a collaborative effort from families, schools, local authorities, security services, road professionals, and drivers.
