Seen in a Second, Changed for a Lifetime: Why GloWeek Matters

Be Bright, Be Safe, Be Seen

As the evenings get darker and the clocks prepare to go back, it becomes increasingly important to consider, road safety particularly when it comes to children.

This week marks GloWeek 2026, the annual road safety campaign run by the Child Brain Injury Trust. This year’s theme highlights a simple but powerful and important message: taking steps to make children more visible on the roads can help reduce the risk of serious accidents. For children affected by a road traffic accident, the consequences can extend far beyond the initial incident, sometimes changing the course of their lives and those of their families.

For those of us working in personal injury, the campaign carries a particular significance. Behind every serious road traffic accident is a person whose life may be changed in an instant, and when that person is a child, the consequences can be far-reaching.

Why visibility matters

Children walking to school, cycling or scooting are among the road users who can be particularly vulnerable in poor lighting conditions. While responsibility for road safety is shared by everyone, there are practical steps that can help reduce these risks.

Bright clothing can make children more noticeable during the day, while reflective materials can improve visibility in low light conditions. Teaching children how to cross roads safely and choosing well-lit routes can also help.
Everyday measures can contribute to safer journeys.

The lasting impact of a road traffic accident

A road traffic accident can have consequences that extend well beyond the initial injury. This is particularly true when a child sustains a traumatic brain injury.

Depending on the severity of the injury, a child may experience difficulties with memory, concertation, behaviour or emotional regulation. Some effects may not become fully apparent until later, as the child grows.

The impact on families can be considerable.

In personal injury cases involving children, it is important to recognise that recovery is not always straight forward. A child may make significant physical progress but continue to experience difficulties that require support over many years.
The Child Brain Injury Trust provides support to children and families affected by such a traumatic event. Its work highlights the important of understanding not only the immediate effects of an injury, but also the challenges that can arise as a child develops.

How we can help

When a child is injured in an RTA, medical treatment and recovery will naturally be the immediate priorities. Where an accident may have been caused by another road user’s negligence, however, there may also be grounds for a personal injury claim.

A claim is not simply about the injury itself. Depending on the circumstances compensation may need to take into account of the wider consequences for the child and their family.

This can include;

• A) Pain Suffering and loss of amenity; which includes compensation for the physical and psychological effects of the injury and its impact on the child’s everyday life.
• B) Rehabilitation Treatment; which includes the cost of appropriate therapies, specialist assessments and other treatments.
• C) Care and Assistance; the value of the additional care and support required because of the injury, including assistance provided by the family members.
• D) Future needs and financial losses; where appropriate, consideration of the longer term impact on the child’s independence, care requirements and future earning capacity.

Early legal advice can help families understand the claims process, the evidence that may be required and the options available to them. It can also help ensure that rehabilitation needs and future consequences are considered alongside the immediate effects of the accident.

Be bright. Be seen – Turn Awareness into Action

GloWeek is an opportunity to bring road safety into everyday conversations, particularly as children continue travelling to school and taking part in outdoor activities during darker months.

Raising awareness, supporting prevention and ensuring that injured children receive appropriate care are all important parts of the wider conversation around road safety.

No family should have to experience the consequences of a serious road traffic accident. While not every accident can be prevented, improving visibility and encouraging safer behaviour can help reduce risks and protect children on their everyday journeys.

At Hodge Jones & Allen, our personal injury work exposes us to the significant effects that serious injuries can have on individuals and their families. GloWeek is a timely reminder of why prevention matters, and why children affected by brain injuries deserve understanding, support and access to help they need.

Let’s all play our part in keeping children safe, and turn awareness

If your child has suffered a serious injury in a road traffic accident, our specialist personal injury solicitors are here to help. Contact us for expert advice on securing the compensation, rehabilitation and support your family may need, now and in the future. Call 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.