“No Small Mistakes in Traffic” Project Continues to Meet with Students
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The “No Small Mistakes in Traffic” project, carried out in cooperation with our university, the Ministry of National Education and the Association of Common Sense Projects in Traffic, raises traffic awareness among primary school students through theatrical and digital games. The project aims to reach approximately 17,000 students in 115 schools by the end of the term.
The ‘No Small Mistakes in Traffic’ social responsibility project, designed by our university’s Transportation Systems Application and Research Center and carried out in cooperation with Istanbul Commerce University, the Ministry of National Education and the Traffic Common Sense Association (TRAP), aims to raise awareness of future drivers. Within the scope of the project, which was launched on February 28, 2024 with the participation of Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, primary school students learn traffic rules through theatrical and digital games. The last stop of the project was Abdulkadir Öztürk Primary School in Avcılar. During the event, traffic rules were explained to the students in a fun and instructive way, and certificates of participation were presented at the end of the event.
WE SHOULD CREATE TRAFFIC AWARENESS AT AN EARLY AGE
Speaking to the press members at the event, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ilıcalı, Faculty Member of our University and President of the Association of Common Sense Projects in Traffic, drew attention to the importance of early education in combating traffic accidents in Turkey.
Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı stated that road safety inspections have been increased in Turkey in recent years, but the rate of fatal and injury accidents is still high, and added: “Within the scope of the protocol signed between the Ministry of National Education, Istanbul Commerce University and the Association of Common Sense Projects in Traffic, we carry out activities to improve traffic awareness in schools. While we reach out to students in primary schools and preschools with theatre shows and digital games, we also organize seminars for parents. Our aim is to create a permanent awareness at an early age.”
TRAININGS TO REDUCE DRIVER MISTAKES
Stating that one of the main factors causing traffic accidents in Turkey is driver mistakes with a rate of 90 percent, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı emphasized that this situation can be prevented with training. Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı said, “With the support of our Ministry of Internal Affairs, police and gendarmerie units are conducting effective inspections in the field. However, if we ensure that rules such as speeding, not wearing seat belts, not giving priority at intersections and red light violations are followed, the rate of driver error will decrease significantly. For this reason, it is of great importance that we raise traffic awareness at an early age.”
FEEDBACKS ARE POSITIVE
Stating that the methods used in the project had a permanent effect on children, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı said that the positive feedback from parents also showed how valuable these efforts were.
Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı said, “Thanks to this project, children learn traffic rules while having fun. Basic concepts such as red light, green light, seat belt are now becoming unforgettable for them. When we create this awareness at a young age, we can have a much safer traffic environment in the future.”
COUNTRY-WIDE DISSEMINATION IS THE TARGET
Stating that they aim to reach more children across the country with the “No Small Mistakes in Traffic” project, Prof. Dr. Ilıcalı stated that they are open to new collaborations under the coordination of the Ministry of National Education in this context.
The project aims to reach approximately 17,000 students through project activities to be carried out in at least 115 schools by the end of the term.
