Risk Perception in Schoolchildren – A (GEBS-A)

Background

Children’s subjective hazard perception is often neglected in safety assessments of school environments, particularly in relation to changing circumstances in which rigid behavioural rules do not apply or may even increase risk. Children’s perspective therefore represents an untapped potential that should be leveraged in order to ensure a holistic approach to planning and implementing school-route safety.

Objectives

In this research project, we pursue an innovative participatory approach to identify underestimated hazardous situations on the way to school and in the school environment that are particularly underestimated by children. The findings of this project provide the scientific foundation for comprehensive accident prevention and evidence-based school-route safety campaigns.

Approach

In this empirical study, elementary school children will rate various traffic situations in their school environment in terms of hazard potential. These ratings will then be compared with those of the children’s parents and teachers, as well as with evidence-based assessments by road safety experts and objective data on accident reports. These comparisons will provide new insights into which hazards children of different ages tend to be particularly unaware of. In addition, they offer valuable learning opportunities by highlighting differences in hazard perception and allowing parents and educators to reflect upon them together with the children.