Tragedy fuels change: Michelle McLaughlin’s decade-long fight for child pedestrian safety after losing her son, Tom.

Ten years ago, the life of Michelle McLaughlin and her family was shattered by the tragic death of their four-year-old son, Tom, who was struck by a car while on holiday. The devastating loss continues to cast a long shadow, highlighting the hidden costs of road trauma that extend far beyond the initial tragedy.

Michelle McLaughlin, whose family established the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation (LBDF) to advocate for child road safety, says, “Our studies show educational interventions like LBDF safety signage increase awareness of child pedestrian safety in the community. Yet those with the ability to make a difference at a policy level are not acting fast enough to prevent this ongoing tragedy.”

In Australia, road trauma remains a leading cause of death for children, with pedestrians particularly vulnerable. Despite ongoing efforts, an average of one child dies in a road crash every week.

Michelle, a nurse by profession, witnessed firsthand the profound and long-lasting impact of grief on families. “We continue to navigate the mental and physical costs,” she shares. “My husband’s business has been significantly impacted, and my inability to process high stress meant I couldn’t continue my job as a nurse. The damage of our grief has extended to physical concerns, likely contributing to life-altering health issues.”

Dr Fiona Martin, an Educational and Developmental Psychologist, explains that prolonged grief is a serious mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s life. “Prolonged grief can affect your physical health, and it can affect your relationships and daily responsibilities,” Dr Martin says. “It is associated with higher risks for suicidal ideation and behaviours, even when controlling for depression and PTSD.”

A new report, Navigating Grief: A Study of Support Services for Families Affected by Road Trauma, highlights the critical need for comprehensive and accessible support services for bereaved families. The report emphasises the importance of holistic, long-term support that addresses the diverse needs of grieving families, including counselling, peer support, and practical assistance.

“There is a need for comprehensive support that is accessible and responsive to diverse and evolving requirements,” says Dr Martin. “Bereaved families often display extraordinary resilience, but this does not diminish the need for professional support and understanding as they navigate the complexities of grief.”

Michelle, deeply aware of the challenges faced by grieving families, is developing Road Trauma Grief Support Packages for families who have lost a child to road trauma. These packages will provide essential support such as childcare, cleaning, and cooking vouchers to alleviate the immediate burden and reduce feelings of isolation.

“Knowing the unique circumstances faced by families who have lost a child to road trauma, specialised support programs should be investigated,” adds Michelle. “Collaboration is needed between grief support organisations and road safety initiatives to create a unified approach to preventing child pedestrian deaths and supporting grieving families.”

The LBDF continues to advocate for improved road safety measures and raise awareness about the devastating impact of road trauma on families. By working together, we can create a safer future for our children and provide much-needed support for those who have tragically lost loved ones on our roads.

Also read: Protecting children from online harm: New resources from eSafety