5x STOP is COOL

The aim of the program is to show and explain road safety to teenagers and hopefully change their attitude and standpoints toward it in the process: developing tolerance, attention and positive attitude towards other traffic participants, learning basic for wearing a seat belt and a helmet, the consequences of speeding, aggressive or drunk driving… The last two are the main causes of traffic accidents in Slovenia and with our initiative we want to decrease the number of accidents that happen because of alcohol and speed.

There are two target groups regarding the project: - Youngsters age 12 – 19 years - Young victims of traffic accidents (age 15 – 30 years) The first target group struggles with lack of information regarding road safety and sense of responsibility for other road participants, peer pressure that increases already risky life-style. They are daily participants in traffic but are not aware of the threats, risks and dangers. The aim of the program is to show and explain road safety to teenagers and hopefully change their attitude and standpoints toward it in the process: developing tolerance, attention and positive attitude towards other traffic participants, learning basic for wearing a seat belt and a helmet, the consequences of speeding, aggressive or drunk driving… The second target group involves young people who were because of traffic accidents and head trauma forced to change their life plan, goals and life cycle. They are no longer capable to finish school, go to work, have a family... They are excluded from what majority accepts as “a normal life” and represent an outcast of society. Educational workshops represent a possibility of again interact with their peers, tell their story to public and educate or inform youngsters about the consequences of aggressive driving, speeding, driving under influence of alcohol, drugs... With psychosocial support from Zavod Varna pot’s supporting psychologists and social workers, young victims found new motivation, stimulation and mission in life. Together these two target groups teach and encourage each other, give each other support and learn from each other. All this represents a new path toward better road safety.

Dissemination is done through Zavod Varna pot website (www.varna-pot.si) and our social media (Facebook, Instagram) and with reports sent to schools and other participating organizations. Dissemination to general public is done through media articles and media reports.

The success of the project is based on evaluation of every event (workshop) – evaluation of questionnaires, review of organizers, moderator’s reports and participant’s reactions and opinions. The other measures are also the number of events, number of participants involved in the programs, views and shares on social media and other media coverage (internet, newspapers, TV and radio)... The project has been very well received by participants and media.