The administration of President Nayib Bukele is intensifying efforts to promote child road safety, with initiatives led by the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT), in collaboration with the Fund for the Attention to Traffic Accident Victims (FONAT) and the National Road Safety Council (CONASEVI).
Vice Minister of Transportation, Nelson Reyes, along with FONAT Executive Director, Paola Bardi, spearheaded a child-centered educational event at the Miguel Pinto School in Mejicanos, San Salvador. The event aimed to raise awareness among the student population as part of the activities leading up to World Pedestrian Day.
“We believe that educating the population about road safety from a young age is crucial. Child road safety is of utmost importance, as it concerns the lives of minors. Our initiatives align perfectly with the activities we offer at our Road Safety and Education Park,” stated Reyes.
The VMT and FONAT, through CONASEVI, have established 78 education and road safety committees in schools nationwide, benefiting over 38,000 families across the country’s 14 departments.
World Pedestrian Day, observed annually on August 17, seeks to promote a culture of respect for pedestrians, encourage the creation of safe walking spaces in cities, and remind the public of the responsibilities associated with walking as a form of mobility. These goals have been a priority for President Bukele’s administration, which has championed initiatives such as the “Zones 30.”
In conjunction with these activities, the National Road Safety Council introduced “Conasevito,” a new mascot dedicated to promoting safe mobility among Salvadoran children. “We know Conasevito will be an important ally in child road safety, assisting in educational sessions across schools to teach children about traffic rules, safe street practices, and responsible pedestrian behavior,” Bardi explained.
Through these efforts, President Bukele’s government demonstrates its commitment to child road safety by fostering environments that encourage a responsible road culture.