Chetwood Memorial Primary Students Learn Road Safety Tips

Over 200 students from the Chetwood Memorial Primary School in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (May 5), participated in a road safety seminar staged by the Road Safety Unit in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing.

The seminar, held on the school grounds, formed part of activities in Jamaica to mark United Nations Global Road Safety Week from May 4 to 10.

The UN’s observance this year is focused on children’s safety under the theme: ‘Save Kids’ Lives!

In her presentation to the students, Camille Stewart of the Road Safety Unit, said the importance of road safety cannot be overemphasized, especially among the youth, who sometimes get distracted while using busy thoroughfares.

She offered them tips for safe use of the roads as they go to and from school, and traverse roadways in and outside of their communities.

Ms. Stewart said that for students, who use the public transportation system, they should only take vehicles that have red licence plates.

“We don’t advise you to take robot taxis. Robot taxis are taxis that do not have a red plate…red plate taxis are the real ones so you should work with the real ones,” Ms. Stewart said.

She also explained the importance of using safety devices, such as helmets and seat belts.

The interactive seminar involved dances and songs on road safety and the students were excited by the presence of Sesame Street Character “Grover”.

Road Safety Week involves collaboration with Sandals Resorts International (SRI), which has facilitated the participation of Sesame Street characters in bringing the road safety message to children.

Sandals International has the exclusive rights to Sesame Street characters in Jamaica.