Abstract

According to WHO, road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among people aged 15 and 29 years. More than 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. The newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has set a target to halve global deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes by 2020. This goal is unachievable unless the country is focused on roadway users of all ages. A proven 3 year plan to train and certify subject matter experts to inform stakeholders and educate families can shape a safety culture, identify partners and initiate a coordinated plan. Over that three-year period, Safe Kids Worldwide, the certifying body for child passenger safety (CPS), conducts one class per year (15 technicians) while simultaneously trainig 3–4 technicians as instructors. In just three years, a country could certify 45 strategic CPS technicians and 3–4 instructors who will serve as champions, conduct training and help build infrastructure. This certification plan has been tested in China, Latin America and the Middle East where instructors conduct certification classes. Safe Kids Worldwide has a training curriculum that is ready for translation once an instructor is certified in that native language. A national sponsor is needed to initiate this process. Since 1998, 160 000 certified technicians have taken the course in the U.S. with 41 000 current technicians in the field. The evaluated program demonstrates the value to increase knowledge, skills and ability among caregivers with child passengers through certified technicians. Meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal requires a strategic plan to safely train nationals as subject matter experts.