David Carden, managing director, FedEx Express, Thailand and Indochina (back row, left), together with Ms Treedao Apaiwong, advisor to the Governor of Bangkok (back row, right) in the FedEx and Safe Kids International Walk to School Day to raise awareness about child pedestrian safety in Thailand.
BANGKOK, February 2, 2015—More than 300 primary and secondary school students, teachers, and road safety advocates joined the FedEx and Safe Kids International Walk to School Day event on January 29 at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Center.
Organized by FedEx Express (NYSE: FDX) and Safe Kids Thailand (SKT), the International Walk to School Day raised awareness about child pedestrian safety issues in Thailand, especially the risks faced by children walking to, and from school, every day.
More than 100 children are killed in pedestrian related accidents every year, according to recent research from the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Centre. Overall, there are more than 1,000 child deaths from road accidents annually.
“The intolerably high child pedestrian fatality numbers, and the increasing number of vehicles on our roads highlight the urgency and importance of the programs run by Safe Kids Thailand,” said Dave Carden, managing director, FedEx Express Thailand and Indochina. “So we are heartened today by the support of many agencies and representatives from all levels who share our goal to make highways and streets safer for children throughout Thailand.”
Safe Kids Thailand representative, associate professor Adisak Plitponkarnpim, said, “As well as education campaigns, we will work closely with key agencies this year, to develop research papers and new policies. Together, we want to provide more safe pedestrian and pavement areas across the country.”
Road Safety agencies such as the Road Safety Directing Center, Asian Transportation Research Society, Thai Cycling Club and others, also demonstrated safety tips at their respective booths.
Inaugurated in Thailand in December 2011, Safe Kids Walk This Way program has reached more than 85,000 children, 5,000 parents and 500 teachers throughout the country.