It's time to stop, look, and wave. That’s the simple message from this campaign – and yet it’s one which helps to save lives the world over. Since its launch in 2015, children in more than 30 countries worldwide have been reached by Stop Look Wave – with a simple message that helps to reduce accidents, protect pedestrians, and save lives.
Around 1.2 million people die in road traffic accidents every year. Children are particularly vulnerable on the roads, and according to the WHO (World Health Organization), road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29. As well as improving the ways in which Volvo’s trucks detect them and thereby reduce the risk of accidents involving them, the company has also embarked upon a series of safety initiatives designed to reduce risk even further – of which Stop Look Wave, first launched in 2015, is one.
The campaign’s advice is easy to follow. When crossing the road, children are first asked to stop before stepping out. Then, look in both directions to see if there is any vehicle approaching, and make eye contact with the driver. Then they should wave, to show that the driver has seen them, and then it's safe to cross.
To support this messaging, Volvo Trucks has produced a collection of material which can be used both in classrooms and at home. It’s published on this website – you can find a full list of the resources here – and it is available to download and use as you see fit.
2023’s updated version of the campaign includes new teaching materials and classroom resources, including a "street mat" and figures that can be printed out to encourage children to increase their understanding of road safety in the relative peace and quiet of the classroom. There’s also a brand-new music video – featuring, of course, a new Stop Look Wave song.
“Safety never stops, and raising awareness of the dangers faced by pedestrians and cyclists is of vital importance,” says Anna Wrige Berling, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. “Stop Look Wave has had a great impact worldwide, which gives us even more of a reason to keep it up to date. Hopefully the joyfulness of this song and music video will inspire more people of all ages to take part and spread its message.”
Find the resources and download the material here.