Road Safety Committee reviews the latest updates on traffic awareness efforts in Jordan

The Committee, which was formed by the World Health Organization (WHO), discussed the future plans and the achievements of local traffic awareness programs.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the WHO, the Ministry of Education, The Public Transport Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, Jordan Traffic Institute, Jordanian Association for the Prevention of Road Accidents, as well as UNICEF, the Royal Automobile Club, Hikmat Road Safety, Greater Amman Municipality, and the Ministry of Interior.

The meeting was commenced by introducing "KAFA" Traffic Awareness Program which is implemented by the Royal Health Awareness Society (RHAS) with the aim of increasing traffic awareness and fostering a culture of traffic safety that influences behavioral change and motivates individuals to be responsible on the roads.

Hana Banat, Programs Director at RHAS, introduced KAFA's strategic action plan and first phase milestones achieved through the Program's three main components; "KAFA Youth", "KAFA Kids" and "KAFA for All."

Furthermore, Enaam Barrishi, Director General of RHAS, explained that KAFA strategy withholds the approach of launching tailored projects that address various community segments, and developing tools to communicate key messages.

Al- Barrishi also emphasized on the importance of the development and maintenance of up-to-standard infrastructure that supports behavioral change especially around schools.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of developing a systematic mechanism to evaluate the effect of media campaigns, and the necessity of reaching all community segments using all media vehicles.

The Ministry of Education brought forward a proposal that aims at developing traffic gardens at public schools in Jordan. Whereas representatives of the Public Transport Regulatory Commission discussed the importance of launching a media campaign with the aim of restoring the trust of the Jordanian citizen in public transportation means which will reflect on road safety in Jordan.

Representatives of the Public Transport Regulatory Commission also explained the importance of acquiring the necessary support from stakeholders and sponsors.

The meeting also emphasized on the importance of involving and targeting parents, families, and the civil society in traffic awareness campaigns.

Unifying the national efforts in planning, implementing, and driving financial support for traffic awareness programs, as well as enhancing multi-lateral cooperation between members of the committee were key recommendations of the meeting.