National Road Safety Week: Protecting Children and Ensuring Road Accessibility

Pursuant to the official letter of the Department of Health of Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration dated 03.11.2026 No. 4993/01-1 and the Ukrainian Research Institute of Transport Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the 2nd stage of the National Road Safety Week will take place across Ukraine from November 9 to 15, 2026, as part of the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.

For the team of CNP «Center for Medical Rehabilitation and Palliative Care for Children» of Zhytomyr Regional Council (brand «Vitryla Zhyttia»), child safety on the road is of paramount importance. Every day, our specialists work to restore the mobility and health of young patients, and we know firsthand: the prevention of pediatric road traffic injuries begins with the daily awareness of adults.

Key Initiatives and Events of the Week

Throughout the week, a comprehensive series of educational, medical, and practical events will be held across all regions of Ukraine, taking into account wartime security protocols:

November 09–13: Nationwide charitable blood donation drive «Give Blood — Save a Life» for patients injured in road accidents;
November 10: Announcement of the winners of the 9th National Social Media & Video Contest within the «Safe Country» project (online on YouTube);
November 11: Expert round table on «Road Safety in the Context of Road Transport: Legislative Updates in 2026»;
November 13: Unified National Online Lesson «Safe Way Home» for secondary and vocational school students;
November 15: Commemorative services for the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Guidance for Parents: Protecting Children in Autumn & Winter

With shorter daylight hours, seasonal weather hazards, and potential street lighting disruptions, our medical team highlights essential road safety rules:

Mandatory retroreflective elements (flickers): attach reflective bands, stickers, or badges to children's outerwear, backpacks, and strollers. Drivers spot a pedestrian with reflectors at 130–150 meters instead of 30–50 meters;
Certified child restraint systems: always transport children under 145 cm in certified car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age and weight;
Accessibility and mobility devices: wheelchairs and children's mobility aids must be equipped with side and rear reflectors or active LED safety lights;
Personal example: cross roads only at designated pedestrian crossings, hold your child firmly by the wrist, and never get distracted by smartphones near traffic.

Official Information Resources

Detailed information, educational guides, and registration links are available on the official organizer platforms: the Ukrainian Research Institute of Transport Medicine website (medtransvp.com.ua) and their Facebook page (facebook.com/tbdrua/).

Road safety is our shared responsibility. Let us protect the lives and health of our children together!