Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication has taken a significant step in enhancing media professionalism concerning road safety through the initiative of Constructive Journalism in Bangladesh. This initiative aims to deepen media engagement and understanding of road safety as a critical public health and development issue. By sharing insights into the burden of road crashes in Bangladesh, this effort highlights challenges while encouraging journalists to focus on a safe system approach. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of educating journalists about road safety prevention strategies. Prominent journalists have been chosen for training and specialized road safety journalism fellowships.

According to the WHO's 'Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023', road crashes remain the leading cause of death among individuals aged 5 to 29 globally. The issue continues to result in a significant and growing number of fatalities and severe injuries, particularly in developing nations. In contrast, developed countries have witnessed a steady decline in road fatalities attributed to concerted efforts, effective coordination, community involvement, well-researched road safety innovations, best practices, and strategic resource allocation.

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• Bangladesh

• Youth
• Remote and rural communities
• The programs have benefitted all community members by Building Media Professionalism for Road Safety through Constructive Journalism in Bangladesh.

The activities outlined are intended to be implemented nationally to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3.6, which aims to reduce global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by half by 2030, alongside Goal 11.2, which focuses on developing affordable and sustainable transport systems. The involvement of journalists is critical in promoting effective governance and advancing government initiatives to enhance road safety.
Service providers committed to offering assistance will engage in adaptable programs for various communities, thereby reducing road incidents.
Journalists have a unique ability to motivate public discourse on road safety matters, serving as a vital tool for both active engagement and passive communication on a global scale. Civil society organizations can play an essential role in fostering the replication of these programs, establishing a model that could also benefit other countries.

Two notable SDG targets related to road safety are Target 3.6, which aims to halve global crash-related deaths and injuries, and Target 11.2, which seeks to ensure access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems while improving road safety. Although the government has made significant progress in achieving many other SDG targets, road safety continues to present substantial challenges, primarily due to difficulties in implementing a comprehensive and systematic road safety program and monitoring its efficacy. It is essential to adopt a safe system approach that considers the interplay among speed, vehicles, road infrastructure, and user behavior to reduce road crashes effectively.

Promoting the values of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) through your "Constructive Journalism for Road Safety" project is an excellent way to align media professionals' practices with global priorities. Here's how you can emphasize WSIS values through this initiative: Inclusivity and Accessibility: this project ensures that information on road safety is accessible to all communities, particularly vulnerable groups. This can include creating content that is inclusive of people with disabilities and using digital platforms to reach rural or marginalized populations. Social Media for Advocacy: Utilize social media platforms to amplify road safety campaigns, reach younger audiences, and spark digital discussions. It’s a space to promote responsible behaviors and share constructive reporting that resonates with a wider audience. Interactive and Data-Driven Content: Digital platforms host interactive content like infographics, videos, and road safety simulations. This can make complex road safety data more understandable and actionable, fostering informed decision-making. Mobile Accessibility: Since many people rely on mobile phones, making road safety content mobile-friendly will ensure that information is easily accessible to a broad audience. Partnerships with Governments and NGOs: Collaborate with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international organizations working on road safety. This allows media professionals to access credible information and to align their reporting with international standards, fostering a broader impact. By integrating these strategies, you can effectively promote WSIS values while advancing road safety awareness and behavior through constructive journalism. Let me know if you'd like more ideas on enhancing the project or specific aspects to focus on!