EMBASSY THE HAGUE RESPONSE ON GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000446 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR OES/S (CARTER-FOSTER) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AF AID AMCHAMS AMED CA EU IO LA PA PAHO SOCI, UNDP, UNGA, WHO, NL SUBJECT: EMBASSY THE HAGUE RESPONSE ON GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK REF: STATE 15184 ¶1. The GONL has organized a full agenda for the 2007 Global Road Safety Week (April 23-27),primarily focusing on public awareness and road safety among young people between the ages of 4 and 24. On April 23, the Dutch will hold a news conference during which they will present the 2006 road safety statistics. On each day of Global Road Safety Week, the Dutch will focus on a different age group (from ages 4 to 24). Such efforts will include announcements of several new local projects and public outreach for existing projects targeting road safety for young drivers. The Dutch will release several publications during the week, including a book on truck blind spots and an OECD publication on young drivers. ¶2. In February, the Dutch conducted a national survey among 9 - 12 year olds related to problems encountered by Dutch youth on the road. Children who present the most creative solutions in each age group will be awarded prizes, including a Euro Disneyland weekend. The announcement of winners and results of this national primary school survey will be released during Global Road Safety Week. A Jubilee Congress will also be held during the week marking the 45th anniversary of the Road Safety Research Institute. On the final day of the congress, there will be a debate in the World Youth Assembly between national/regional politicians, safety experts, and young road users. ¶3. All these events are being organized by and coordinated with the Dutch Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Association, the ANWB (Dutch equivalent to the AAA in the U.S.),Team Alert (the young drivers association),the Road Safety Research Institute, various regional authorities, and the law enforcement community (primarily the police). Given the already robust agenda envisioned by the Dutch and limited Mission resources, Post efforts will be focused on supporting and highlighting Dutch initiatives, where possible. ARNALL