Swiss child traffic accidents surge, sparking calls for urgent safety reforms
Our Streets Are Not Safe for Children
The numbers paint a grim picture: Last year, 1,076 children between the ages of five and 14 were involved in traffic accidents in Switzerland. Five lost their lives, and 130 suffered severe injuries.
The latest federal accident statistics reveal an alarming trend: Nearly one-third of these incidents occurred on the way to or from school.
Most accidents happened in June, particularly on Friday evenings between 5 and 6 p.m. While the total number of school-related traffic incidents fell from 372 to 327 compared to the previous year, the number of children seriously injured actually rose—from 44 in 2024 to 48 in 2025. The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) sees no clear long-term trend in these figures.
Knowing Where the Risks Lie
Where exactly are the dangers lurking on children's routes to school? An interactive map by Swiss public broadcaster SRF (see sources at the end of this article) brings hidden accident data to light, displaying crash locations by vehicle type, severity, and time. While the data alone won't prevent accidents, it provides a crucial starting point for change.
For years, Beobachter has been advocating for safer roads. Together with partners, we run the platform Schulweg.ch, where parents, grandparents, teachers, and municipal employees can take action. Users can report hazardous spots along school routes—whether identified firsthand or through tools like the SRF map. The interactive map on Schulweg.ch highlights poorly designed intersections, missing sidewalks, and dangerous turns.
What You Can Do
1. Assess the Route – Walk your child's daily paths with them. Where do you feel unsafe? Do these spots match the accident hotspots on the SRF map? Find practical safety tips and rules [here].
2. Report Hazards – Document problematic areas with photos and upload them to Schulweg.ch.
3. Engage Authorities – A report backed by data and community support carries far more weight with officials than a single complaint.
Road safety isn't a matter of chance—it's the result of careful planning. Check the accident hotspots in your neighborhood and help make school routes safer for everyone. Every reported hazard is a step away from statistics and toward a secure daily journey for children. For guidance on next steps, read our full article.
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