Road safety may soon become a classroom topic if Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) mentor Edison “Bong” Nebrija’s proposal gains traction. On January 17, Nebrija, who leads the MMDA Traffic Education Division’s Training Section, suggested that road safety be integrated into school curriculums, describing it as a important “life skill” for the youth.
“If we can include Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum, why not Road Safety?” Nebrija stated in a Facebook post. His remarks highlighted a 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report that revealed road traffic injuries as a leading cause of death for individuals aged 5-29 years.
A Call for Action Amid Sobering Statistics
Road safety education, according to Nebrija, has the potential to save lives. Citing WHO data, he noted that approximately 1.9 million people die yearly due to road traffic crashes. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, account for over half of these fatalities.
Nebrija believes early education could mitigate these alarming trends. “Imagine, road crashes are the leading cause of death from ages 5-29,” he wrote, urging schools to prioritize teaching students how to stay safe on the road.
Public Reactions: A Mix of Nostalgia and Support
Nebrija’s post has garnered significant online attention, earning over 1,600 reactions, 401 shares, and more than 120 comments. Many Filipinos echoed his sentiments, sharing their own experiences with road safety lessons in school or lamenting the lack of them.
One commenter reminisced, “During elementary days, we learned how to cross streets properly, identify traffic signs, and use sidewalks. It was fun, especially with role-playing.”
Another user emphasized the importance of teaching road safety early, stating, “We need to educate kids while they’re still receptive and before bad habits—‘kamote style’—take root.”
“Kamote,” a Filipino slang term, refers to reckless motorists who disregard traffic rules, and the commenter’s words resonated with others advocating for stricter adherence to safety measures.
Road Safety in the Classroom: A Potential Game-Changer
Integrating road safety into the curriculum could address key risk factors identified by WHO, such as speeding, distracted driving, and non-use of helmets or seatbelts. These risks often contribute to the high rate of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, especially in developing nations like the Philippines.
Educational programs could also inspire behavioral change. A Facebook user shared how a high school teacher once apologized to their class for failing to use a pedestrian lane, turning the moment into a lesson about accountability and proper road usage.
“Since then, I always cross using pedestrian lanes or overpasses if available,” the commenter added.
Beyond the Classroom: A National Imperative
In a country where motorcycle helmet laws and pedestrian safety are inconsistently enforced, Nebrija’s call for action underscores the broader need for systemic change. Road safety education in schools could complement efforts to improve infrastructure, enforce traffic laws, and promote responsible driving.
Nebrija’s proposal, though seemingly simple, taps into a larger issue: the need to equip young Filipinos with practical skills that could save lives.
As road crashes continue to claim millions of lives globally, the MMDA mentor’s advocacy for education offers a beacon of hope—one where safety begins not on the streets but in the classroom.