FIA Clubs implementing pilot projects on child passenger safety in Belarus, Chile, Japan, Moldova, Uruguay, and the UAE, gathered for the first time to exchange experience regarding the implementation of advocacy campaigns as well as the adoption and enforcement of legislation on Child Restraint Systems (CRS). 

In 2016-2017, nine FIA Clubs from all FIA Regions were selected to implement projects on child safety, using a dedicated advocacy tool called the FIA Toolkit for Child Safety. As they entered the last stage of project implementation cycles, Clubs had the unique opportunity to meet each other and share knowledge acquired throughout the duration of the project. 

BKA (Belarus) presented its wide-reaching national campaign on the use of CRS, highlighting a 23% decrease in child injuries in cars since the project was launched, according to the national police data. ACM (Moldova) explained the role of strategic partnerships in implementing successful advocacy measures targeting child safety in cars. In close cooperation with UNICEF and major child seat distributors, the Club managed to significantly raise awareness of this road safety issue and call for a more rigorous control by law enforcement officers. JAF (Japan) drew attention to the need for continuous capacity building activities, as both users and police officers lack knowledge about correct techniques to install booster seats in vehicles. ATCUAE (UAE) pointed to the essential role of social media in raising child safety awareness by generating more targeted campaign supports. Both ACU (Uruguay) and ACCHI (Chile) talked about the importance of addressing niche target groups, extending campaign activities to hospitals, family centres and educational establishments. 

Torine Creepy, the Acting Director of Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), an affiliate Member of the FIA, also joined the meeting, presenting the existing cooperation between SKW and FIA Clubs. This collaboration has focused on building Club road safety experts’ capacity with regard to the correct use and installation of CRS. SKW has been actively working with the Clubs in Region IV, organising child passenger certification courses which are scheduled to be extended to other FIA regions. 
The second phase of the Child Safety Program will begin in early 2018, allowing current pilot implementers to scale up achieved results while also bringing new Clubs on board. For more information on the programme or the FIA Toolkit for Child Safety, please contact Maria Strigunova, FIA Public Policy Officer.