This week on The Morning Cruise on Bush Radio 89.5 FM, as part of Child Protection Week, we spotlighted one of the most preventable yet devastating causes of child deaths in South Africa: road crashes.
We spoke with Peggy Mars, the passionate and determined founder of Wheel Well, an organisation devoted to improving child road safety across the country. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, Wheel Well is making it clear: every child deserves to be safe on our roads.
When a Mission Becomes a Lifesaving Movement
Wheel Well was born out of urgency. Peggy shared how witnessing the lack of protection for children in vehicles and on the roads drove her to act. “Children were invisible in the road safety conversation,” she told us. “I started Wheel Well because someone had to speak up — and act — for them.”
The organisation’s mission is focused and clear: to reduce injuries and fatalities among children in road environments. From car seat donations to awareness campaigns, Wheel Well is turning prevention into action.
The Numbers Speak — And So Does the Need
Peggy highlighted some sobering statistics: road crashes are a leading cause of death among children in South Africa, with many of these tragedies completely preventable. Whether it's due to unrestrained passengers, unsafe crossing zones, or distracted drivers, the risks are real — and rising.
That’s where Wheel Well steps in. Their education programmes target parents, caregivers, schools, and even the kids themselves. “We teach children how to be road-wise, but we also teach adults how to be more responsible behind the wheel,” said Peggy.
From Car Seats to Community Change
One of Wheel Well’s standout initiatives is their Car Seat for Kids Campaign, which collects pre-loved car seats, refurbishes them, and redistributes them to families in need. “It's not just about handing out a seat — it’s about restoring dignity and saving lives,” Peggy explained.
Wheel Well also works closely with schools, local authorities, and community groups, helping spread the message of child safety far and wide. “We need more than laws — we need awareness, enforcement, and most importantly, empathy,” she emphasized.
Partnership, Policy, and Public Involvement
Peggy believes that strong partnerships amplify impact. Whether it’s working with law enforcement to ensure compliance or collaborating with schools to reach more families, Wheel Well is all about building bridges.
Still, Peggy calls for more: stricter traffic laws, child-specific policies, and accountability for road safety at every level. “We need to move from talking about change to making it happen.”
A Powerful Reminder for Child Protection Week
To close the conversation, Peggy shared a heartfelt message: “Every child we lose on the road is a life that could have been saved. Let this week be a call to action — not just reflection.”
She encouraged individuals, parents, and communities to get involved — whether by donating a car seat, volunteering time, or simply driving more mindfully.
Support Wheel Well’s Mission
To support or learn more about Wheel Well, visit their website or follow them on social media. Small actions — like securing a car seat or sharing safety tips — can make a life-changing difference.
🌍 Website: https://wheelwell.co.za/
A big thank you to Peggy Mars for her powerful advocacy and for joining us on The Morning Cruise. Let’s all do our part in making South Africa’s roads safer for our children.
Written by Ida
Presenters: Khusi, Ida, Camille,Laure
Bush Radio 89.5 FM — The Mother of Community Radio in Africa
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