a2bsafely

a2bsafely is a new, interactive, multi-media road safety education resource for young people with mild to moderate additional learning needs. It is an online resource, for which support materials are available in hard copy.

It is film-based, and uses activities to explore five real life journeys, with progression through four levels of difficulty. Four journeys are on foot and one is by bus. The road safety messages contained in the activities are clear and relevant. It is a peer education resource narrated, and presented, by young people.

Some small scale studies found children with learning needs to be disproportionately represented in road accidents. Other studies have linked particular behaviours, such as hyperactivity, to road risk. A recent study identified that parents, schools and other stakeholders believe that their children are at higher risk of involvement in road accidents. There was concern that, due to their restricted travel patterns, many children are missing out on learning the basics of road safety education. Road safety awareness is seen as a key life skill that can significantly increase the independence of young people with additional support needs, both now, and in their adult lives.

The study found four key areas where it is believed that this group of young people could face additional road safety risks:

• a limited awareness of surroundings and concepts of danger

• a limited ability to cope with changing situations

• some difficulties in putting theory into practice

• some specific difficulties with co-ordination, balance and spatial awareness

a2bsafely was originally designed with young people aged 10–16 years old in mind. This was seen as the age-band where most individuals, who have previously lost out on road safety education, could benefit. Since then, the appeal of this resource has been seen as being much wider than initially forecast. A focus group of parents considered the resource as being of broad interest to all young people.

a2bsafely is a strongly visual learning experience. It is colourful without being intense. Although it is bright, it is calm and unfussy. It is not too visually 'cluttered' and there is an option to switch off sound and graphics. a2bsafely steers a course to offer broad appeal. While some learners need to be reassured with repetition and quietness, others need variety and the stimulation of sound, colour and movement. Weaving a path through these diverse needs was a challenging task in the resource's development.

a2bsafely takes the user through levels progressively, like a game. With an avatar guide to accompany the user through a2bsafely, the user has a familiar face to identify with.

The support area of a2bsafely.com offers parents advice and provides the opportunity to feedback to RSS on the resource. ‘Tracker pages’ which can be printed out at the end of each level and taken home are one of the main learning outcome reminders. Parents are encouraged to participate by teaching their children themselves - reinforcing what they have learned. Although a2bsafely is primarily a web-based resource, a CD is available for those who do not have internet access. Council libraries also offer free internet use to its members.

The 'Step by Step' booklet accompanies the resource. It outlines all the key road safety messages for parents, teachers and young people and can be used as an aide-memoir when out practicing road safety, in real life situations. To obtain any of these resources, please contact your local Road Safety Unit.