MIRI: For many children, the daily journey to and from school is a routine part of life. Yet for traffic police, it represents one of the most vulnerable moments in a child’s day.
That was the central message delivered to more than 370 pupils at SK St. Columba on Thursday as officers from the Miri Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division (BSPT) conducted a road safety awareness programme aimed at instilling safe habits from a young age.
The initiative comes amid continuing concerns over road accidents involving schoolchildren and young road users, particularly those linked to unsafe crossing practices, motorcycle pillion riding and modified bicycles.
Leading the session was Inspector G. Visvanathan Guna Cekeren, accompanied by Sergeant Major Mohd Khairul Annuar Ahmad Kassim and another traffic officer from the Miri District Police Headquarters.
A total of 371 pupils and 15 teachers participated in the programme, which combined practical safety advice with real-life examples of road accidents to help students better understand the consequences of careless behaviour on the roads.
Throughout the session, officers emphasised the importance of obeying traffic rules and recognising road signs and signals.
Pupils were reminded that road safety begins with simple actions, such as waiting for pedestrian signals, using designated crossings and remaining alert when approaching busy roads.
Police also highlighted the critical role of safety equipment, particularly seat belts and motorcycle helmets.
“Children must understand that helmets are not fashion accessories. They are lifesaving equipment,” officers told the gathering, urging pupils to wear helmets whenever travelling on motorcycles with parents or guardians.
The programme also addressed common hazards often overlooked by young road users.
Officers demonstrated the dangers posed by vehicle blind spots, explaining how pedestrians can become invisible to drivers when standing too close to large vehicles.
Students were also taught the correct way to alight from vehicles before crossing roads and were encouraged to make use of pedestrian bridges and designated walkways whenever available.
Beyond pedestrian safety, the police used the opportunity to tackle several risky behaviours increasingly observed among children and teenagers.
Pupils were warned against riding modified “basikal lajak”, which have been associated with a number of serious accidents nationwide.
They were also advised not to cycle on major roads where traffic volume and vehicle speeds significantly increase the risk of collisions.
Another issue highlighted was the danger of flying kites near roads, a seemingly harmless activity that can distract motorists and lead children into hazardous traffic situations.
Traffic officers said raising awareness at an early age remains one of the most effective ways of reducing accidents involving children.
Rather than waiting until young people become licensed drivers, police believe road safety education should begin during primary school years, when lifelong habits and attitudes are being formed.
The programme at SK St. Columba forms part of broader community engagement efforts by the Royal Malaysia Police to strengthen public understanding of road safety and foster closer ties between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
By bringing these lessons directly into schools, authorities hope to cultivate a generation of road users who are not only aware of the rules but also understand the potentially life-changing consequences of ignoring them.
The session concluded without incident and achieved its objective of increasing awareness among pupils about the shared responsibility of keeping roads safe.
As hundreds of students returned home after the programme, the message was clear: road safety is not merely a lesson taught in a classroom. It is a habit that can save lives.
