Police urge parents to discuss road safety as school resumes

More than 200,000 children will start or return to school on Knowledge Day, prompting the State Police to urge parents and other road users to take extra care and discuss road safety with children, LSM reports.

September is the most dangerous month for children in road traffic, according to insurer Ergo, which cited data from the Road Traffic Safety Directorate. More than 190 children were involved in road accidents from September to November last year. Two thirds were injured, several suffered serious injuries and six died. Ergo said the highest number of accidents was recorded in September.

A cyclist interviewed by Latvijas Radio in Riga, who did not wish to be recorded, said her travel habits would not change because cycle paths were not particularly busy. Drivers, however, said they would need to be especially attentive on the streets.

One driver said motorists should be twice as careful as before and be prepared to drive more slowly and responsibly to follow all road rules.

A woman from Baloži said her child knew the safety rules well, but acknowledged that she herself had to remain attentive behind the wheel. She said she repeatedly reminded her child to look several times in both directions at pedestrian crossings and to cross only after a car had stopped, rather than relying solely on a green light.

Another driver from Riga said parents should remind children that drivers do not always see them when they are between cars. Children should not run and should look carefully, he said, adding that road safety required greater attention from everyone.

The State Police said children may be less attentive on the roads after the summer holidays, making drivers’ vigilance crucial. The police said they would step up monitoring of road safety until October.