The school holidays are over, the leaves are starting to turn and autumn will soon be here. At the Child Brain Injury Trust our thoughts turn to the changing seasons, the darker conditions and the impact this may have on the number of children we see with an acquired brain injury.

Every year, hundreds of children in the UK suffer a life changing brain injury on our roads. This could be caused by being involved in a road traffic collision, bike or scooter accidents and much more. That’s why whether they’re holding a parent’s hand, scooting on ahead or walking or cycling on their own, it’s vitally important that children (and adults too!), stay safe,  especially as the nights draw in and the clocks go back.

A recent UK study of head injuries in children found that of hospital admissions through head injury  in a six month period, 392 were related to motor vehicle accidents. Of those children the majority (70%) were pedestrians, just under 9% were cyclists and a further 21% were in the vehicle at the time. The study, carried out in winter, also revealed that the peak time for accidents was between 4pm and 8pm in the evening (1).

On the 29th October British Summer Time ends and everyone will be making their way to and from school in darker conditions, we want to ensure children and young people know to Be Seen, Not Hurt.  Prevention campaigns are a big part of our work, and each autumn we run our road safety campaign. This year the week kicks off on Monday 30th October and finishes with Glow Day on Friday 3rd November.  We will be visiting schools throughout the UK to talk about road safety and the tips you can use to stay safe. We also talk about our amazing brains, what it does and how you can look after it. If your school would like to book a road safety session please email glow@cbituk.org.

Of course there is a fun element to the campaign too, all across the country people in schools and offices will be wearing their brightest clothes, wigs, and face paint to take part in Glow Day.

To help raise awareness of the Child Brain Injury Trust and to fundraise to support our work, you could hold a dress down day, bake sale or any other bright ideas you may have! To request posters and a fundraising pack for your workplace or school email glow@cbituk.org

You can also get involved on social media by using the hashtags #BeSeenNotHurt and #Glow17. You can also make a donation to help support our work by texting BSNH17 £3

This campaign is kindly supported by the child brain injury team at national law firm, Bolt Burdon Kemp solicitors.

 

(1) Trefan L, Houston R, Pearson G, et al Epidemiology of children with head injury: a national overview. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2016; 101:527-532.