Protect children!

January 5, 2024

Under this slogan, from January 5 to 14, a preventive event to prevent child road traffic injuries will be held in the Republic of Belarus.

According to the results of 2023, in the republic, despite a decrease in the number of underage children killed in road traffic accidents (-12.5%; from 16 to 14), the number of injured children (+10.8%; from 397 to 440) in road traffic accidents increased.

By category, child passengers most often became participants in road traffic accidents (36.1% of the total number of children injured in road traffic accidents). Every third child (34.3%) was a pedestrian, and every fourth was a cyclist (25.8%).

73.4% of minors received injuries in road traffic accidents due to the fault of drivers.

Young road users, due to their age, do not understand the full extent of the danger on the road. That is why parental control and timely guidance on the rules of safe behavior are important. After all, it is not difficult to explain to a child how to behave correctly on the street and near the road, where it is permissible to play, and where it is strictly forbidden to do so.

Undoubtedly, the main role in ensuring child road safety belongs to drivers. The ability of a person behind the wheel to anticipate various situations and the readiness to act clearly, confidently, and safely is one of the main factors contributing to the reduction of child accidents. Respect the "Children" sign. Always, regardless of whether children are visible or not, reduce speed. Be guided by the principle: the worse the visibility, the lower the speed. Even when nothing obstructs the view, children often do not notice the danger; drivers need to draw attention to themselves with a sound signal. When driving through courtyard areas, consider the habit of children running out from behind parked cars. Remember that when approaching pedestrian crossings, you need to reduce speed in advance and always give way to pedestrians.

Road traffic accidents involving child passengers are no less concerning. When transporting children in personal vehicles, drivers must refrain from risky maneuvers. The fate of a child in

The way a person sits in a car determines their safety in an emergency. Therefore, children under 12 years of age must be transported using restraint systems or other devices (boosters, special seat cushions, additional seats) that allow a child to be safely secured with the vehicle's seat belts. Dear Adults: - Remind children daily about road safety rules; - Cross the roadway with children only at pedestrian crossings, holding the child by the hand and ensuring that vehicles yield to you; - When walking along a road without sidewalks, walk on the shoulder, facing oncoming traffic; - When traveling in the dark, you and your child should be visible with reflective elements, or wear clothing and shoes with reflective inserts; - Do not leave children unattended near the road; - When walking with children, draw their attention to traffic lights, explain the meaning of road signs and markings, and teach them to observe the road and anticipate danger; - It is forbidden to approach a bus until it has completely stopped at a bus stop; - When exiting public transport, you, the adults, should always exit first and then take the children; - If you are carrying a child in your arms while crossing the street, be careful, as they may obstruct your view of the street; - If you have purchased a bicycle for your child who is under 14 years of age, ensure that they do not ride on roads with vehicle traffic.