A few useful tips for a safe journey to school
By bike?
- Children under 10 years old are always allowed to cycle on the sidewalk.
- Choose the safest route. This is not always the shortest. The school insurance covers everything that is considered a normal route.
- Make sure you have a proper bike helmet. This reduces the risk of serious head injuries.
- Wear a fluorescent vest with reflective strips so you are visible up to 150m in the dark.
- Make eye contact with the driver to see if he or she will actually stop.
- Make clear agreements. Explore the route several times in advance.
- Regularly check if your bike is still in good condition: brakes, tires, and lights.
Heard of bike pooling?
This involves children riding in small groups, along a prearranged route and accompanied by an adult, to school. Children participating in the bike pool are picked up along the way and continue cycling together.
On foot?
- Choose a safe route with wide sidewalks and supervised crossings.
- Practice crossing correctly. Always stop at the curb, look left, right, and left again, cross without running, and keep an eye out.
- Discover risky spots together, such as garages and driveways where cars can unexpectedly enter and exit.
- Preferably wear light-colored clothing and a reflective vest or gadget.
Haste makes waste!
A child in a hurry is less aware of their surroundings and becomes careless. Make sure your child always leaves home on time and can move calmly through traffic.
By car?
- Before setting out, make sure everyone has their seatbelt fastened.
- Always have your child get in and out of the car on the sidewalk side.
- Respect the speed limit in a 30 km/h zone.
Have you considered carpooling?
Even by car you can help reduce traffic, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists! If several children from different families ride together, there will be fewer cars on the road to school.
What is a vulnerable road user?
Anyone who travels on public roads and does not drive a motor vehicle is a vulnerable road user. Think, for example, of pedestrians, cyclists, people on scooters, and so on.
You are a victim as a vulnerable road user in an accident
As a vulnerable road user, you are entitled to compensation for bodily and material damage in the event of an accident—even if you are at fault. This means compensation for, among other things, medical expenses and damage to your clothes. In the event of death, your heirs will receive compensation as well.
You cause an accident as a vulnerable road user
If you are at fault in an accident, you will always be compensated for bodily injuries, but not for material damage. For example, if you are at fault in a cycling accident, damage to your bike will not be reimbursed.
What if the person who caused the accident is not insured?
Then you can turn to legal assistance insurance. This insurance helps defend your interests as a vulnerable road user. If an amicable settlement cannot be reached, the legal assistance insurer will pay the lawyer’s fees and court costs. The insurer also covers the costs of specialists such as doctors and experts.
It is advised to take out family insurance with legal aid coverage to support you in the best possible way in the event of an accident as a vulnerable road user.
Can you insure yourself against bodily injuries?
You can take out a private accident insurance policy. This insurance provides coverage in the event of a traffic accident or an accident during your leisure time (sports accident).
Many insurers offer private accident insurance. The conditions, coverages, and premiums vary widely from one insurer to another. Your advisor will be happy to assist you in making the right choice.
Do you have questions?
Do not hesitate to contact us via mailto:info@vandessel.be or tel:+32 (0)3 482 15 30" +32 (0)3 482 15 30
