Metsä Fibre's traffic safety campaign supports the safe movement of children

Traffic safety is an important part of the everyday life of schoolchildren. Metsä Fibre's annual campaign focuses especially on mill locations, where heavy traffic is a visible part of the environment. Events held in primary schools provide children and their families with practical tools for safe movement.

Concrete learning experiences in traffic safety

The campaign highlights that traffic safety is a common concern. Events in partnership with schools provide an opportunity for children and their families to learn practical tips for safety. For example, children can get to know the perspective of drivers of large vehicles, such as timber trucks.

Children can climb into the cabin of a timber truck and see for themselves how limited the driver's visibility is. This illustrates why reflectors and eye contact are vital to safety. Professional drivers know how to watch out for pedestrians, but with a small gesture like waving hi, pedestrians can make sure they've been spotted. Such concrete examples and exercises help children understand the dangers of traffic and act safely. 

Animation supporting road safety training

Metsä Fibre has also created an animation about traffic safety,  in which the main character, Valo, guides you to the basics of safe movement. The animation is primarily intended for school use, but its content is suitable for all road users. It is freely available in schools and at home and acts as part of the campaign.

Metsä Fibre’s Communications Manager for the pulp business, Janniina Anttila, encourages teachers and parents to use animation: “Traffic safety is a relevant topic all year round. We hope that the animation will inspire children with insights and inspire them to think about the importance of traffic safety in everyday life. Together, we can make sure school journeys are safe for everyone.”

5 tips for safe movement

Everyone can promote traffic safety with their own actions. These tips will help ensure safe movement on foot and by bike:

1.   Focus on traffic, not equipment or other distractions.
2. Always look both ways before crossing the road and make sure you have been spotted by the approaching vehicle.
3. Use reflectors and lights in the dark to show you in traffic.
4. Make your intentions clear and avoid sudden movements in traffic.
5. Make eye contact with the driver to make sure they've noticed you.