Road Safety Action International (RSAI) Launches the ROYERS Project

Road traffic crashes stand as a critical global public health and developmental challenge, claiming over 1.19 million lives annually, with a stark concentration in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and two-wheelers, account for more than half of these fatalities. Among children and young adults aged 5-29, road traffic injuries represent the leading cause of death, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive road safety interventions.

In response to this pressing issue, global youth leaders convened at the 2nd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety on February 18, 2020. This assembly brought together over 160 young leaders from 75 countries who adopted the Global Youth Statement. This document, influenced by insights from more than 1,500 young participants worldwide, calls for meaningful youth involvement in shaping policies that promote safe and sustainable mobility. It positions young people as fundamental agents of change in the global road safety landscape.

Despite these concerted efforts on a global scale, many youths in developing countries like Liberia lack fundamental knowledge about road safety. This knowledge gap poses a significant barrier to their active engagement in initiatives aimed at reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries. According to a survey by Road Safety Action International (RSAI), over 80% of Liberian youths are uninformed about basic road safety principles, contributing to the persistently high rates of road accidents in the country.

To address the critical need for road safety education among Liberian youth, RSAI launched the ROYERS (RSAI Youth Education in Road Safety) Clubs initiative. This innovative program targets high school students across Liberia, with a specific focus on regions with high incidences of road accidents, including Montserrado County and other key areas such as Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Bomi counties.

The primary objective of the ROYERS Clubs is to educate students about the risks associated with road traffic crashes and to empower them to take an active role in promoting safer road practices within their schools, communities, and beyond. By equipping young Liberians with essential road safety knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility, the initiative aims to cultivate a generation of informed leaders who prioritize road safety in their daily lives and future endeavors.

The ROYERS Clubs project was officially launched on June 14, 2024 with great enthusiasm and support from various stakeholders. The launch event, attended by 76 guests, including representatives from 11 schools and special guests from key institutions such as the Liberia National Police (LNP), Ministry of Transport (MOT), Ministry of Health (MOH), National Road Fund (NRF), Foundation for the Liberation of Youths (FLY), and Ministry of Education (MOE), underscored the collaborative effort required to tackle road safety challenges in Liberia. Honorable Sirleaf Raph Tyler, the Minister of Ministry of Transport, a distinguished figure in the field of road safety, delivered an impactful keynote address at the launch event. His presence highlighted the commitment of Liberia's leadership and stakeholders to prioritize road safety education among youth and a critical step towards reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities in the country.

The Ministry of Education, represented by Mercy J. Mason and Zoe Kanneh, played a fundamental role as the chief sponsor of the ROYERS Clubs initiative, demonstrating its endorsement and support for integrating road safety education into the national educational framework. James V. Dwalu, the author of "Safe Way to School," an educational resource added to the ROYERS tools, was acknowledged for his invaluable contributions to developing effective teaching materials that enhance road safety awareness among students. Mr. Dwalu explained his motivation for writing "Safe Way to School."

The ROYERS Clubs initiative is designed not only to educate students but also to inspire a culture of responsibility and proactive engagement in road safety initiatives. By integrating road safety education into the school curriculum, the program aims to instill lifelong habits of safe road behavior among young Liberians. This holistic approach not only benefits individual students but also contributes to broader community safety and well-being.

Currently implemented in 50 schools across Liberia, including 20 in Montserrado County and 30 in other strategic locations, the ROYERS Clubs initiative has garnered widespread support and positive feedback from participating schools, students, and communities. Moving forward, there are ambitious plans for national expansion, aiming to reach every corner of Liberia and empower more youth to become advocates for safer roads and communities.