Children and Road Safety

We know that the mere fact of being children makes them more exposed to the dangers of road accidents, both as pedestrians and passengers in a vehicle. Also, generally speaking, children lack focus and like nothing better than to play. Whether walking along the street or traveling in a car, playing can often create situations of risk. Furthermore, they lack an adult’s capacity to assess risks; not even the distance, speed and direction from which vehicles are approaching them.

What can we do to stop even one more child being killed in a road accident?

Undoubtedly, the first step is to raise awareness in adults, without forgetting educating children. We have to assume full responsibility for their safety. It is important that we take their hand while walking in the street when they are small and that we choose and install child restraint systems in vehicles, ensuring that they are appropriate for the child’s age, don’t exceed the officially approved weight and height limits and are correctly used. And, of course, it is our duty to drive as carefully as possible to avoid putting their lives in danger.

It is up to us to ensure they grow up as responsible adults. They can learn appropriate behavior to ensure safe mobility by following our example. If children see us putting our seat belts on, then they will too. But remember that this equation also works in reverse: if we never do it then neither will they ever want to put one on.