El Salvador is currently hosting the fifth edition of the International Child Road Safety Forum (Fisevi), showcasing the nation’s strides in enhancing road safety measures. The event, inaugurated yesterday by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT), and the Road Accident Victim Assistance Fund (Fonat), is set to continue until April 12th.
Fisevi serves as a platform for representatives from various countries to exchange insights aimed at bolstering the safety of children in transit. Through training sessions and general advisory, supported by the Gonzalo Rodríguez Foundation from Uruguay, participants share experiences and strategies.
Attended by representatives from Uruguay, Colombia, Honduras, Chile, Argentina, among others, as well as governmental institutions collaborating on child and adolescent road safety, the forum highlights collective efforts towards this crucial issue.
During the inaugural ceremony, Romeo Rodríguez, head of the MOP, reported a 15% reduction in road accidents involving children and adolescents in the country. “Committing to road safety worldwide is imperative to curb accident rates. We are deeply committed to this cause,” remarked Rodríguez.
Nani Rodríguez, president of the foundation, emphasized the necessity of such activities, especially in Latin America, stressing the region’s need to enhance road safety culture. She expressed the foundation’s aim to inspire other nations to adopt successful strategies implemented in Uruguay to safeguard the lives of young individuals during transportation.
Giovanni Escalante, representing the World Health Organization (WHO), lauded the contributions of the Road Safety Observatory (Onasevi) towards implementing public policies ensuring road safety for all.
Additionally, Nelson Reyes, the Deputy Minister of Transportation, introduced the 2021-2030 Road Safety Plan, aiming to provide secure mobility for all road users.
As the forum progresses, it underscores the importance of international collaboration and shared experiences in advancing child road safety, reaffirming the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable on our roads.