Hungary’s Ministry of Construction and Transport (ÉKM) has continued its workshop series on the draft revision of the Traffic Code (KRESZ), with the latest session focusing on how to most effectively support traffic education and what responsibilities will arise if the new rules are adopted.
According to the ministry, the issue is particularly important because adherence to rules, recognition of hazardous situations and mutual awareness among road users are shaped from early childhood. Educational programmes starting in kindergarten and continuing throughout a child’s school years can significantly contribute to improving road safety and fostering safety-conscious thinking.
Officials noted that the period leading up to the adoption of the new Traffic Code provides a timely opportunity to strengthen traffic education, as the updated regulations will need to be widely communicated once they enter into force.
Tamás Berta, deputy director for road safety at the Transport Science and Quality Control Institute (KTI), stressed that reducing the number of accidents involving children is a top priority. He said children must be taught how to travel safely, and highlighted that KTI has long been involved in traffic education initiatives. Through its joint Safe Kindergarten programme with the National Police Headquarters’ National Accident Prevention Committee (ORFK-OBB), even the youngest children are introduced to basic safety rules. The institute also supports parents in ensuring safe child transportation, which he noted can prevent the majority of serious injuries involving children.
During the forum, participants also discussed a new joint programme by KTI and Budapest’s 5th district municipality. Under the initiative, parents will receive guidance on traffic education from the birth of their children. Once children enter educational institutions, they will regularly take part in playful training sessions in kindergartens and schools designed to help them acquire responsible and safe road-use knowledge.
President of the Klebelsberg Centre Gabriella Hajnal welcomed participants and reminded them that traffic education has been part of Hungary’s National Core Curriculum (NAT) since 2020. Primary and lower secondary students already learn about road safety in various subjects. She said the aim is to further develop these efforts, including expanding the KEVE programme, which originated in Szeged, into a nationwide initiative. Hajnal added that the evaluation of the National Core Curriculum is currently under way, and proposals are being accepted until early March, including suggestions on how traffic education could be broadened. Workshop participants offered to compile a set of recommendations for submission to the Klebelsberg Centre.
Participants presented several existing road safety education programmes and shared practical experiences. They agreed that in connection with the new Traffic Code, an action plan would be prepared outlining tasks necessary for its introduction. In parallel, work will begin on creating a unified education framework, clarifying objectives, tools and the roles of stakeholders such as municipalities, schools, civil organizations, teachers and parents. Developing a motivation system and ensuring the involvement of institutions, educators, school police officers and families were identified as key issues, alongside standardizing professional and methodological foundations.
The workshop series on the draft Traffic Code will continue, with the next session focusing on measures to support transport for people with disabilities. The ministry said its goal is to ensure that the revised regulations create the safest and most favourable conditions possible for all modes of transport.
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