Volunteer traffic protection angels: safety for Schweinfurt's kids!

Volunteer traffic protection angels: safety for Schweinfurt's kids!

In the cheerful city of Schweinfurt, the safety of the smallest road users is very important. On December 18, 2025, Mayor Sebastian Remelé honored the dedicated school route helpers and student guides who work tirelessly to ensure safety on school routes in the Old Town Hall. This honor took place in collaboration with the Schweinfurt e.V. traffic police and shows how important volunteer work is in society. Adi Schön, the chairman of the traffic watchdog, and police chief Joachim Scheid were also present, both of whom warmly thanked the helpers.

The numerous helpers, both experienced adults and cantankerous young people, make a significant contribution to defusing dangerous spots in city traffic and preventing accidents. As the Bussgeldkatalog reports, 27.7% of all child accidents occur during typical times on the way to school. This makes the good work of the school helpers all the more valuable.

A community effort

During the honor, long-standing adult school helpers were presented with certificates and vouchers. The student guides from the Auenschule, Albert Schweitzer School and Pestalozzi School were delighted to receive presents sponsored by Sparkasse Schweinfurt-Haßberge. After the ceremony, the event participants shared a piece of cake and a glass of drinks over a shared snack in the historic town hall. The focus was on the exchange between the helpers and representatives from the traffic police, police station and other institutions.

Working as a student guide is anything but easy. The young helpers, at least 13 years old, have to undergo special training designed by the police and the German traffic police. In this training you will learn everything you need to know for your volunteer work. From traffic rules to safely crossing the street to hazard assessment, they practice before they are allowed on the street. Over 50,000 student pilots are active in Germany and make their contribution to road safety without receiving remuneration, as the GVV Kommunal shows.

The diverse role of student guides

Student pilots are not only responsible for accompanying school children, they also ensure that other road users drive more slowly. Their presence at pedestrian crossings and intersections is crucial for safety. They wear high-visibility clothing and use signal trowels to guide students safely across the street. Both young pilots and adults who are prepared to take on responsibility and keep their eyes open for those around them are welcome.

The volunteers are legally insured against accidents for their task, and liability for possible errors lies with the respective municipality or city, which gives the dedicated helpers a little security. What is a big compliment to all school route helpers and student guides: In Germany there has not been a fatal accident at the places they have secured since 1953.

Schweinfurt can be proud of its school route helpers and student guides. Their commitment shows that a lot can be achieved in the community and that working for the well-being of the youngest is a valuable task.