MIAS 2015: Volkswagen Ph takes “Miles for Smiles” safety initiative for children

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is always a good venue for car manufacturers to showcase their highly anticipated models. But this year, Volkswagen Philippines did something different as they kicked-start the campaign for their global Child Safety Initiative (CSI) in the country.

In a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1.24 million people around the globe die each year because of road-related accidents, second only to HIV/AIDS. That’s why this CSI aptly named “Miles for Smiles” aims to reduce the alarming rate of casualties among motor vehicle accidents based on its 2 main pillars:

(1) teaching and educating parents and their children about possible dangers on the road and;

(2) understanding the passive safety features that comes in every Volkswagen vehicle such as airbags, active collision systems, and the use of ISOFIX child seat fixations.

“Every parent wants to ensure his or her child is safe and protected at all times. At Volkswagen, we believe children should be protected to the utmost while traveling in the family car. To us, this is not just an aim – it is an obligation and responsibility.” – Volkswagen Philippines

During the launch of this campaign, Volkswagen Philippines set up a booth which highlights a “child safety corner” that encourages the public on topics about road safety.

This setup consists of 2 major components: a Junior Driving Course and a Child Seat Corner.

The 50-sq. meter junior driving course had 5 Volkswagen pushcarts as part of its educational program. This allowed children to have basic knowledge of some road safety rules through a professional instructor explaining the use of traffic lights and road signs.

Meanwhile, the Child Seat Corner displayed Volkswagen Child Seats with ISOFIX that had been crash-tested by the German Technical Inspection Association (TUV) and various international safety organizations. It comes in 3 classes for babies to children with varying ages. These child seats are available as a genuine accessory at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide and can be fitted in all its vehicles.

After MIAS, this campaign for road safety will be conducted nationwide through various workshops, tie-ups, crash simulations, mini-driving courses in malls and schools from kindergarten to primary education. In order to effectively promote such initiative, Volkswagen Philippines has partnered with institutions like Safe Kids Worldwide Philippines, Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership, and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). It’s also supported by media affiliates Top Gear Philippines, Philippine Star, and Motoring Today.