Sadly, six children are killed or seriously injured on UK roads every single day. Staggeringly, that is the equivalent to a classful of children every week. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5 to 29 years old.

Many of these deaths and injuries are preventable and in order to help with this we all need to know about the dangers of traffic and about road safety including young children.

Beep Beep! Day takes place on Wednesday 24 April 2024 and is a road safety day run by schools, nurseries, playgroups or childminders to help teach the important road safety basics to young children.

The campaign provides the perfect opportunity to talk about how we can help keep our young children safe around the road, raise awareness in the community in relation to road safety.

In this blog, Robert Frost , Chartered Legal Executive in the Personal Injury department at Switalskis and father of two daughters aged 2 and 5 explores how accidents involving young children can be avoided.

1. Model safe behaviour - Always make sure that you, as an adult, always display safe behaviour near the roads as children learn from example. Always use crossings, wait for the green man at traffic lights and do not cross the road whilst distracted.
2. Avoid distractions - When walking near roads encourage children to put away toys, phones and tablets. Do the same yourself to ensure you stay focused and to lead by example.
3. Hold hands - Encourage your child to hold hands when near roads or other dangerous areas.
4. Teach children early – Use suitable language and ideas to start teaching children about road safety from a young age and explain the importance of looking out for traffic both ways and staying close to you when walking near roads.
5. Follow the green cross code – Think, stop, look, listen.
6. Playing near roads – Ensure that you supervise your children closely when they are playing near to roads or driveways. Whilst they might not be crossing the road, they could suddenly enter the road to chase after a ball.
7. Be visible – Make sure both you and your children are visible when walking at night or in the dark. Wear bright or reflective clothing and/ or accessories such as reflective stickers that can be placed on backpacks and pushchairs.
8. Always wear a seatbelt – People are less likely to use seatbelts on short or familiar journeys. This will put them at greater risk of injury or worse in the event of a crash. Check all passengers are wearing their seatbelts before setting off, even if just popping around the corner.
9. Always use an appropriate child car seat – This is a legal requirement. All children travelling in any car, van or goods vehicle must use the correct car seat until they are 135cm tall or 12 years of age. Always make sure that you use car seats that are made for the age and size o your children and ensure they are correctly installed in your vehicle.

If you or your child are unfortunately involved in an accident it is important that you know what you should do.

Pull over safely if you are able, turn off the engine, and remember to turn on your hazard lights. Check for injuries to you and the others you are with. You should call an ambulance immediately if required, and consider calling the police to report the accident if necessary.

Make a note of the details of the driver involved. If possible, obtain their name, address and insurance details as well as the registration plate of their vehicle. Even if you are unable to obtain any details or if they drive away, try to obtain details of the vehicles registration number. Take a photograph of the scene or vehicles involved if you are able to.

If there are any witnesses present who saw what happened, ask if they will provide their details. Lastly, remember to stay calm.

If you wish to put forward a claim to seek compensation for your injuries, seek specialist legal advice.

Reach out to Switalskis today by calling 0800 1380 458 , or get in touch with us via our website to discuss your concerns confidentially with a legal specialist.