Prevention of child fatalities and injuries on the road

The main reason for all road accidents involving minors is non-compliance with traffic regulations (hereinafter referred to as "Traffic Rules") and a low culture of behavior among both vehicle drivers and children. As for violations by minors,
they most often violate the Traffic Rules as pedestrians (crossing the roadway not at pedestrian crossings, moving along the roadway when a sidewalk is available, etc.), thereby endangering their lives and health, and creating hazardous situations on the road.

Everyone must clearly understand that traffic rules are the law for everyone, and compliance with them is mandatory. Minors are obliged to know not only their rights and responsibilities as road users but also the consequences that their violation may lead to.

The danger of pedestrians and other road users violating Traffic Rules lies in the fact that their unlawful actions not only create a threat to the safety of vehicle traffic but also, as traffic accident statistics show, they themselves often become victims in such incidents.

Rules: Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrians must move along sidewalks or pedestrian paths, and in their absence – along the shoulders, bicycle paths, or
in a single file along the edge of the roadway.

Outside populated areas, when moving along the edge of the roadway, pedestrians must walk towards oncoming vehicles.

If a pedestrian is riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or moped,
they must follow the direction of vehicle traffic.

When walking on the street, a pedestrian should try to avoid garage entrances, parking lots, and other similar areas to avoid being hit by an exiting vehicle.

A pedestrian must not stop in close proximity
to a passing vehicle.

When acting as a pedestrian, you must:

-        before stepping onto the roadway, ensure
the absence of vehicles;

-        cross the road only on a green traffic light (if available), at a pedestrian crossing;

-        ensure that all vehicles are yielding to you;

-        always choose places for games and recreation (ball, scooter, roller skates, etc.) far from the roadway.

It is dangerous to enter the road from behind parked buses, trolleybuses, cars, bushes, and trees. Always remember that a driver cannot stop a vehicle instantly, so do not try to cross the road at the last moment. The situation will be much safer if the pedestrian and the driver can see each other from a distance.

Rules: Cyclist Safety

Riding a bicycle on the road is permitted after reaching the age of 14.

Knowledge for Safe Cycling for Children Aged 14 and Over:

From this age, a child has the right to be a participant in road traffic. Compliance with traffic rules is vital:

– A cyclist must observe established rules and follow road signs;

– Remember the distance to objects moving ahead;

– If a designated cyclist lane (bike path) is available on the road, the cyclist must use it;

– Group riding is done in a single file, one after another;

– A child must be attentive to parked vehicles (sudden door openings, abrupt starts);

– Dismount and walk the bicycle when in areas with pedestrian traffic.

 Cyclist Signals:

To inform other road users about the cyclist's intentions, a child should learn special signals:

– Extended left arm, or right arm bent at the elbow and extended upwards – turning left;

– Extended right arm, or left arm bent at the elbow and extended upwards – turning right;

– Raised arm (either one) – stopping.

 Important Precautions for Safe Cycling for Children:

– Do not listen to a music player or, even more so, talk on the phone while riding;

– Pay close attention to your surroundings: traffic, pedestrians, potential hazards, and obstacles;

– Always consider: speed, riding experience, and road surface quality;

– Be able to and ready to brake sharply.

 This is especially relevant when a child or teenager lacks sufficient skill in riding a children's bicycle.

When riding on roads in the dark, bicycles must be equipped with external lighting devices: a white headlight at