Launch of school year under the 'Safer Schools' initiative
In the picturesque region of Baden-Württemberg, preparations are underway for the new school year, which begins on September 15, 2025. Over a million students, including more than 100,000 first-graders, will embark on their educational journey. To ensure the safety of these young learners, the "Safe School Route" initiative has been launched.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of the Interior, for Digitalization and Communities, is a joint effort with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. It aims to improve pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic safety around schools. The Baden-Württemberg Police, the Center for School Quality and Teacher Training, the Traffic Safety Associations, cities, municipalities, and partners of the statewide traffic safety campaign "GIB ACHT IM VERKEHR" also lend their support.
Thomas Strobl, Deputy Minister-President and Interior Minister, is urging special consideration for first-graders in road traffic. He encourages parents and guardians to practice the school route with children beforehand and choose the safest route. Reflective elements on clothing and backpacks are also recommended for increased safety during the darker season.
The "Safe School Route" initiative includes traffic monitoring, accident prevention, and awareness-raising activities. Police and municipalities will strictly enforce speed limits around schools and check parking, bicycle safety, and child safety in cars. The goal is the 'Vision Zero': A road traffic system with no fatalities and severe injuries.
The good news is that the efforts seem to be bearing fruit. In 2024, the police in Baden-Württemberg recorded a decrease of nearly 11% in school route incidents compared to the previous year. This decrease was also reflected in the number of lightly injured students, which decreased by about 14%, and the number of severely injured students, which decreased by over 27%. However, unfortunately, one teenager still lost their life on their way to school in 2024.
The "Safe School Route" campaign is part of a broader statewide traffic safety campaign called "GIB ACHT IM VERKEHR". The police are accompanying the start of school in Baden-Württemberg, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the new school year. The initiative underscores the importance of road safety, especially for children, and is a testament to the community's commitment to ensuring the safety of its young learners.
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