Empowerment at the University of Brasília - Brazil as a Strategy for the Formation of Multipliers of Peace in Traffic

Abstract

Background Traffic violence has required public authorities to plan actions aimed at reducing traffic accidents. Accidents have multivariate causality necessitating the contribution of various social actors to reverse the adverse scenario. The social costs are numerous and Brazil occupies the first places in traffic accidents. The highest prevalence among young people and the main risk factors are related to the expansion of the motorcycle fleet and alcohol consumption. Considering the prevalent age range, it is understood as important the use of spaces such as the university environment due to the potential of dissemination of information, reach of subjects and promotion of reflection. The present study had as context the University of Brasilia - Brazil that counts on about 40,000 students, 2,700 teachers and approximately 2,600 servers. Objective: to develop and execute educational actions focused on peace in traffic in accordance with the guidelines advocated by the May Yellow Movement. Methods Intervention from the planning and accomplishment of educational actions focused on peace in traffic based on the precepts of Strategic Situational Planning focusing on student empowerment. Results The actions had the direct and/or indirect participation of 6 government departments dealing with traffic issues, 4 units of the University of Brasilia, as well as student directories and external collaborators. The actions included approaching crosswalk on the university campus, parade to safety traffic with distribution of pamphlets, educational exhibitions, distribution of kits referring to the theme, exhibition of institutional films, presentation of equipment and tests used in inspection of traffic, and dissemination of scientific research groups investigating traffic-related issues. There were also musical performances. About 6,000 people were exposed to the event, with the direct participation of 47 students and teachers in the conduct of the actions. Conclusions It was pointed out the need to involve several social actors in order to achieve a reduction in the number of traffic accidents. Similar actions must be developed to continuously disseminate the culture of peace in transit. A large number of people have been exposed to educational action, however, new studies are needed to ascertain the effective empowerment as well as the spread of peace in transit. There is a need for university institutional engagement in order to reduce the number of traffic accidents due to their importance for social transformations. key words: traffic, safety, Empowerment, university Co-authors: Taco, Pastor Willy Gonzales; Silva, Philippe Barbosa