Government decided to introduce road safety as school subject

In order to stop this, the government has decided to introduce road safety as a subject in both primary and secondary schools.

The objective is to raise awareness about the importance of road safety among students.

According to Dr Vasant Bunwaree, minister of Education and Human Resources, it has become essential to come up with such an initiative, as many Mauritians do not know how to drive safely.

“We want our youths to know the basic road safety measures so that they can protect themselves. We are hoping to introduce the subject in our educational system next year,” he said.

Becoming familiar with the main road signs, taking care when crossing the road and being aware of and anticipating risks is part of the ABC of road use.

The education minister added that the courses will be based on the age of the child. The theoretical aspect will concern mostly the precautions that need to be taken on the road. The harmful effects of alcohol, especially while driving, will also be on the agenda.

“Other elements will be introduced gradually depending on the level of understanding of the child. In colleges, the students will have the opportunity to learn about traffic laws,” stated Dr Bunwaree.

The minister also explained that several talks on road safety have previously been delivered in schools across the island but introducing this as a subject will be a better way to educate youngsters.

Yousouf Saoudy, a driving school mentor commended this initiative.

“I think that it will prove to be very beneficial for the whole population. Most accidents occur due to wrong driving practices,” he underlined.

The driving school mentor also mentioned, “. If the young people themselves are sensitised, it will definitely help produce more careful drivers.”