Joint efforts are the only way to make streets safer for children.

This is the message from Valentin Iliev, CEO of LEV INS AD, in an interview marking the Roadpol Safety Days, held from 16 to 22 September 2025.

Mr. Iliev, LEV INS traditionally supports the Roadpol Safety Days initiative. Based on your experience as an insurer, what trends have you observed regarding children involved in road traffic accidents?

From the data we have as insurers and long-standing partners of the National Donation Fund supporting children injured in traffic accidents, the trend remains concerning. While the number of injured children has slightly decreased, it remains relatively high. The number of fatalities has dropped, which may indicate that awareness campaigns and safety measures are beginning to yield results.

One of the most pressing issues involves children operating electric scooters and bicycles. Increasingly, these vehicles are used without helmets or protective gear, and often in unsafe areas. Many children reach high speeds on busy streets, raising the risk of serious accidents. Other countries have addressed this through bans or strict age restrictions. Bulgaria is currently implementing changes to the Road Traffic Act regarding scooter use, but violations are visible daily. In addition to legal measures, more bike lanes are needed to ensure safe mobility.

Parents play a critical role. They must ensure that the vehicles they purchase are age-appropriate, teach basic traffic rules, and provide helmets and safety gear. LEV INS has been committed to child road safety for over 20 years, supporting families affected by traffic incidents. Only through collective societal effort can we reduce accidents and make streets safer for children.

What are the most common situations in which children are injured in traffic incidents?

Children are most often injured while traveling in cars with parents or relatives. Serious injuries typically result from the absence or improper use of seat belts, or neglecting the need for child seats.

Beyond vehicle-related risks, pedestrian crossings pose another major danger. Although intended as safe zones, statistics show many children are injured there. Contributing factors include excessive speed, driver inattention, and risky behavior by children—such as stepping into the road without looking, using phones or headphones, and lacking safe crossing habits. Children must learn basic road safety from an early age, with parents and teachers playing a key role in shaping responsible behavior.

What role does insurance play in creating a safer environment for all road users?

Prevention is at the heart of insurance. For LEV INS, it’s a foundational principle. Our “Active Security” approach emphasizes prevention through knowledge. This allows us to create solutions that protect clients and complement compensation in case of incidents.

We believe it’s our duty to share knowledge and contribute to child road safety. Nearly 20 years ago, we launched the “Protect the Child on the Road” campaign. We’ve conducted safety trainings nationwide, renovated pedestrian crossings, and installed illuminated signs near hundreds of schools. We continue to support children and students, and are preparing a new initiative targeting youth aged 12–18, who are increasingly active road participants.

At LEV INS, we see insurance not just as a financial tool, but as an active means of building safer environments across all areas of life.

Do you see a positive trend in public awareness regarding road safety prevention?

In recent years, Bulgaria has seen various initiatives aimed at reducing traffic incidents, many led by private companies and NGOs. While the topic remains urgent, public information has helped raise driver awareness. Still, we must continue educating the younger generation and lead by example.

What additional measures could help protect children in urban environments?

Coordinated efforts among parents, schools, institutions, and private organizations can drive lasting change. Proactivity is key—through campaigns, trainings, and educational materials. Otherwise, we’re left assigning blame after the fact.

Stricter law enforcement and harsher penalties, especially for repeat offenders, could improve compliance with traffic rules, reduce accidents caused by failure to yield, and lower the number of victims.

According to recent amendments to the Road Traffic Act, electric scooters may only be operated by teenagers aged 16 and above. Parents who allow violations of this rule will face fines of 500 BGN.