[Podcast] “Route2school Education” Smart Online Traffic Safety Education System Project

14 February, 2025

Keywords: R2S, VR, gamification, traffic safety education, high school students

In 2019, the Institute of Smart Cities and Management (ISCM) of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) cooperated with the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB) of Hasselt University, Belgium, to implement the “Route2school Education” project. This is to develop an online smart traffic safety education system, combining gamification and virtual reality (VR) technology with the goal of creating a continuous learning platform for students.

In recent years, while traffic accidents nationwide have tended to decrease, accidents involving high school students have increased, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Although traffic safety education has been included in the curriculum, it is not considered as a compulsory and separate subject. Moreover, annual campaigns to raise awareness of traffic safety for children have not realistically assessed the changes in students’ awareness and behavior before and after participation.

To address this issue, the “Route2school Education” project was launched by the Institute of Smart Cities and Management (ISCM) of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) in collaboration with the Transportation Research Institute (IMOB) of Hasselt University, Belgium. The system includes two main platforms: (1) an online education platform incorporating gamification and (2) a platform for practicing traffic behavior change using VR technology.

The first platform allows students to improve their knowledge of traffic laws, their ability to observe and to identify road hazards, and to handle traffic situations. The platform is built based on real-life situations, including images and videos from local traffic environments. Gamification features like points and promotions are applied to increase attractiveness, bringing an interesting experience to students. Through the platform, students can study anytime and anywhere. Concurrently, teachers and parents can monitor the learning process and evaluate the effectiveness right on the platform.

The second platform was developed based on student behavior research and feedback from teachers, students, traffic police and traffic safety experts. This platform allows students to cycle and to experience real-life traffic situations in a VR environment, forming correct traffic behavior in the local traffic context. Each platform will be tested for educational results, making recommendations for adjustments to suit actual needs and to improve the effectiveness of bettering students’ knowledge, skills, and traffic behavior.

Figure 1: Online education platform incorporating gamification

Figure 2: Practical platform for changing traffic behavior using VR technology

From 2023 to 2025, ISCM-UEH will be cooperating with universities like Thammasat University (Thailand), Calicut National Institute of Technology (India), Peradeniya University (Sri Lanka), and the University of the Philippines to develop online education platforms integrating gamification for students in these countries. Big data collected from the platforms will provide useful information regarding students’ knowledge and skills for researchers and local authorities to develop appropriate policies to improve traffic safety for students in Vietnam and other Asian countries.

The “Route2school Education” project has made an important contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the sustainable development and action strategy at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. First, the project improves the quality of traffic safety education for students to reduce accidents and to protect children’s lives, creating a more conscious young generation when participating in traffic (SDG 4: Quality Education). Second, it has strengthened students’ traffic awareness and behavior to build a safer traffic environment in big cities, reducing congestion and accidents (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). The project also encourages innovation in education through the application of advanced technologies like gamification and virtual reality (VR), creating conditions for students to learn more effectively (SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure). Furthermore, international cooperation with other universities not only creates opportunities for knowledge sharing but also builds a global network of traffic safety education. In addition, the project promotes a culture of safety and social responsibility in the community, creating opportunities for teachers, parents and the community (SDG 17: Partners for the Goal). Through the “Route2school Education” project, UEH builds a diverse educational environment to raise awareness and skills of road safety for students, sustainable actions and responsibility towards the community.

Authors: Dr. Trinh Tu Anh, Pham Nguyen Hoai, Tran Thi Quynh Mai, Le Quoc Viet, Le Phan Truong An, Le Phuc Toan (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City), Prof. Ariane Cuenen, Prof. Davy Janssens, Prof. Geert Wets.

This article is part of the article series spreading research and applied knowledge from UEH with the message “Research Contribution For All”. UEH cordially invites readers to read the next UEH Research Insights newsletter.

News, photos: The Authors, UEH Department of Communications and Partnerships