Building a culture of road safety with social media
For many of people today, social media can be intimidating or simply uninteresting. Yet whether or not you use it, one thing is certain – social media is having a major impact around the world today in terms of how we communicate and interact. As you read these words, people may be talking about your organization or company on the Internet. Through social media networks such as Twitter and Facebook, they are sharing opinions and news, which may be positive or critical.
Social media represents a shift from traditional media, which includes television, newspapers and radio. It allows you to create written, audio or visual content on the Internet using computers or mobile phones. Social media provides a powerful platform for advocacy and engagement by allowing organizations, individuals, politicians, and others, a direct voice to the public to create open dialogue and contribute personal accounts.
Social media also presents an opportunity to share news and information in “real time”, as was done during the annual Global Road Safety Partnership Asia Seminar. It opened a door to those who would, perhaps, not participate otherwise.
“Social marketing tells stories about issues that affect road users-providing a rational for change” – Jon Thompson, TAC”, tweeted Ryan Duly, Partnership staff based in Cambodia who attended the seminar.
Through personal and professional efforts with social media tools such as Twitter or Facebook, the Global Road Safety Partnership and its staff, such as Ryan, are moving with these communication trends.
The Partnership recognizes it as a process – one that merits continuous engagement and commitment – but it is an important one. Social media can critically contribute to the interest and development of a road safety culture in communities worldwide. Come and join the dialogue!
Please join us and visit the Global Road Safety Partnership
on Facebook and Twitter
