GloWeek is an annual campaign by The Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) which aims to raise awareness of road safety as the days get shorter and the evenings darker.
Government statistics show that more than 1,200 children (under 16) were killed or seriously injured on the UK’s roads last year.
Shoosmiths serious injury team is a member of CBIT’s legal panel and, sadly, all too regularly we help families whose child has been injured on the road. The consequences of a serious injury can have a deep and long-lasting impact on both the child and their family, as is the case with one of our clients, who was injured on his way to school – this is his story (we’ll refer to him as ‘M’):
M, then aged 12, suffered a serious brain injury in a collision with a car on his way to school. His head hit the windscreen of the car before he was thrown off and hit his head on the pavement. He suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed.
Three years post injury M is now a teenager and suffers from impaired cognitive abilities, frustration and what his mother describes as “Jekyll and Hyde” episodes, when he will have a meltdown and engage in physical and verbal outbursts. He is remorseful afterwards, but this affects his relationship with his family and friends. He also suffers from disinhibition and inappropriate behaviour. He is generally not happy and doesn't laugh, rarely showing happy emotion. He suffers from anxiety.
M also suffers from poor sleep, with difficulty both getting to sleep and remaining asleep. He may not sleep for 48 hours, and his family can hear him up and pacing around his bedroom.
M is one of two children. He lives with his parents and brother in two bedroom rented accommodation. Before the accident, the two brothers shared a room. Since the accident, and as M needs more space, his parents have moved downstairs and sleep in the lounge, so that M has his own room.
M requires considerable day to day support from his mother that is to the detriment of her relationship with her husband and her other child. It also impacts her ability to work.
This year CBIT is asking supporters to make a pledge to have a conversation with a child or young person about the importance of road safety and being visible when out and about, especially in the dark. Why should you wear bright colours? Why is it important to have reflective gear when cycling? Their key message is ‘be seen, not hurt’.
You can find out more about GloWeek and CBIT’s fundraising campaign here: GloWeek 2022 - Child Brain Injury Trust, or follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Tik Tok).
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
