The Youth Volunteers for Development Association, a part of the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union, helped raise awareness of road safety among students of Donnoun Secondary School on Wednesday.

This is just the start of their road safety campaign; they will next address students of Vientiane , Sikhottabong, Chanthabouly and Sisattanak secondary schools.

“As the number of vehicles on the road in Vientiane increases, so do problems such as traffic jams, pollution and accidents, which is the most serious issue that we have to deal with,” said the President of the association, Mr Vonpadith Daranouvong.

“As statistics from last year show, secondary school students were involved in most of the accidents, and we're attempting to minimise this number through this project.”

The project is supported by a number of organisations seeking to inform teenagers of the traffic rules and the risks on the road through drama and songs. “We also have some traditional performances and activities. We hope that we can save some lives and reduce the accident rate in Vientiane,” he said.

The event kicked off with a traditional dance by the youth volunteers, followed by contemporary dancing along with songs featuring lyrics about wearing helmets. Students at the school also had a chance to perform.

Posters and prizes were given out to the audience and to those who took part in a quiz about traffic rules and road courtesy.

Three short drama pieces were performed, called The Value of Life , Will He Survive? and My Son, which mostly concerned the over-confidence of young people, the dangers on the roads and the value of human life.

“This was a good opportunity for our students to learn more about road safety,” said the Director of Donnoun Secondary School, Mr Bounsoung Phengsisomboun.

“I think this project will be helpful for all students, because most of them go to school by motorbike, so during rush-hour the roads are full of inexperienced riders and the risk of an accident is very high. This is one way to encourage them be more careful and reduce accidents in our city,” Mr Bounsoung said.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
February 15, 2008

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