Title : Researching into strategies for keeping children safe on the road

Road traffic accidents involving children present complex challenges from both the medico-legal and orthopaedic standpoints. Findings of several research studies indicate that children are at risk for road traffic injuries due to multiple factors. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children. Globally, every four minutes a child is prematurely lost on the roads. Many of them severely injured. This research aims to present scientific discussion on viable strategies for keeping children safe on the road. Also, it outlines risk factors in road accidents involving children. Secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. Required data were collected from journal articles, books, book chapters, etc. Method of data analysis is “descriptive’.  

Analysis of data in this work indicates that children are limited by their physical, cognitive and social development. This situation makes them more vulnerable in road traffic than adults. Due to limited understanding, it becomes difficult for children to see surrounding traffic and associated symbols. They have difficulties interpreting various sights and sounds, which may impact their judgement regarding the proximity, speed and direction of moving vehicles. Further, their softer heads make them more susceptible to serious head injury than adults. Furthermore, they are especially prone to take risks, compromising their safety on the road. There is, thus, need for devising viable strategies for keeping children safe on the road. This research presents following strategies for safety of children on the road:
1.    Controlling speed: Roads which pass by schools and which facilitate travel at high speed place children at significant risk. Reducing vehicle speed is, thus, paramount to protecting children on the roads.
2.    Preventing drinking and driving: People who drink and drive pose a major risk to children as pedestrians, cyclists and passengers. Alcohol consumption before driving increases not only the chance of occurring road traffic crash, but also the likelihood of serious injury (including death). Preventing drinking and driving requires (a) restricting the sale of alcohol by legislating a minimum purchase age, and (b) limiting the marketing of alcohol to children.
3.    Using helmets for bicyclists and motorcyclists: Wearing helmets is most effective strategy for reducing the risk of injury to the head while riding bicycles or motorcycles among children. The Government of Viet Nam passed, in 2007, a law making it compulsory for all motorcycle drivers and passengers, including children, to wear helmets while riding a motorcycle.
4.    Improving children’s ability to see and be seen: This is key safety children who travel on the roads. This requires children wearing white or light-coloured clothing.
5.    Enhancing road infrastructure: Building new and modifying existing road infrastructure with a concern for safety of children reduce risks from road traffic crashes. It envisages implementing physical measures (such as traffic lights, roundabouts, cross walks, street lighting on busy roads, and dedicated lanes for children). 

This abstract briefly concludes that keeping children safe on the road requires active supervision. It is important to (1) teach them the right pedestrian habits, and (2) ensure strict vehicle restraints. 

Keywords: Children, Safety, Road, Strategies, Accident, Rapid Motorization, and Traffic Management

Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra (He/His) is Independent Researcher (Scholar), retired from Population Education Resource Centre, Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, S.N.D.T. Women's University, Mumbai, India. He, with Ph. D. qualification, has authored 6 booklets, 4 books, 31 book chapters, 109 journal articles, 2 monographs, 7 research studies, & 119 papers for national & international conferences. He has been awarded with Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, & 2024. He was Judge for IHA’s 20th Annual Virtual Health Literacy Awards, including Edson Awards for 2025 & 2026 seasons. His brief biography can be accessed at: https://www.ierek.com/storage/conferences/577/speakers/cvs/8G2m1gZ8PQg6lIXsY8EufzNxUrQ0fIohyNecSt0r.pdf.