Special comprehensive event "Attention – Children!" from May 25 to June 5, 2020

In recent years, road traffic injuries have become one of the leading causes of death in the Republic of Belarus. This situation is, as a rule, a consequence of non-compliance with the Traffic Regulations.

In January-April 2020, 8 road traffic accidents (hereinafter referred to as RTAs) involving minors occurred in the Vitebsk region (0 in 2019). According to categories, RTAs involving minors are divided into: child passenger – 3 RTAs (0 in 2019-2); child pedestrian – 5 RTAs (-1 in 2019-6). 2 RTAs were caused by children (-1 in 2019 - 3).

In the Lepel district, no road traffic accidents involving children have been registered for the current period (2 in 2019).

Drivers should be aware: 70% of RTAs involving children are caused by adults. Therefore, when you see children near the roadway, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop at any moment. Drive at a minimum speed in courtyards.

The special comprehensive event "Attention – Children!" will start in the country from May 25 and will last until June 5, 2020. The purpose of the event is to prevent child road traffic injuries.

The State Automobile Inspectorate strongly urges parents to ensure the safe transportation of children. A child in a car must be in a special restraint device appropriate for their weight and height. The car seat or booster must be correctly installed in the car. Children over 12 years of age must be secured with standard seat belts. Young pedestrians and cyclists should also be reminded of safe behaviour rules, including in courtyards, and parents should supervise teenagers' leisure activities and not leave car and motorcycle keys in free access.

Dear parents! Remind young road users that they should not suddenly step or run onto the road from behind parked cars, trees, bushes, or structures, even if the road is adjacent to residential areas. Before a child steps onto the roadway, they must stop and look around, ensuring that there are no vehicles moving towards them nearby.

It is very dangerous to walk around a parked car in close proximity to it, because

Due to their small stature, children may not be visible to drivers. Rollerblading and skateboarding are only permitted in yards, public squares, or parks, on special asphalt and concrete areas, paths, and alleys, but always far from vehicles and large crowds of pedestrians. Children under 14 years of age are prohibited from riding bicycles on public roads, and those under 16 years of age are prohibited from driving mopeds.

On days when traffic safety campaigns (СКМ) are held, in accordance with clause 166.9 of the Traffic Regulations (ПДД), drivers are obliged to use low beam headlights or daytime running lights on their vehicles during daylight hours. Failure to comply with this requirement of the Traffic Regulations is subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine of up to 2 base units (part 3 of article 18.14 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Belarus).

The State Automobile Inspectorate (ГАИ) urges drivers to be extremely attentive when driving near children's institutions, at unregulated pedestrian crossings, public transport stops, and in courtyards.