East Finchley Man Speaks Out Ahead Of Road Safety Week

A father-of-two from North London who was hit by a car after picking his daughter up from school is marking Road Safety Week by welcoming efforts to improve crossings within the local area.

Mark Foster, 43, from East Finchley, had just collected his seven-year-old daughter Beatrix from Martin Primary School on the evening of 4 February when they were both struck by a car as they crossed the road outside the school.

Beatrix lost two teeth and suffered cuts and bruises in the incident. Mark sustained a serious head injury, a fracture and nerve damage to his shoulder, a fracture to his right fibula and a degloving injury to his knee.

Following the crash, Mark instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access a range of support following the incident.  Now he has joined with his legal team to mark charity Brake’s annual Road Safety Week campaign.

Road Safety Week begins on 18 November and this year’s theme is ‘Step Up for Safe Streets’ which focuses on the designs which ensure people can move safely from A to B. With that in mind, Mark has spoken out on how he hopes new measures in the local area will prevent anyone else facing what he has.

Expert Opinion

“This is a terrible case which puts a clear spotlight on the issue of road safety and particularly why it is so important around busy areas and sites like schools.

Mark and his family have faced a tough few months as he has worked to get his life back on track following what happened, while the incident led to a major campaign within the local area for improvements to be made to crossings.

It feels very timely to speak out on his experiences ahead of Road Safety Week, as it showcases not only the effects of serious collisions but also the measures that can be used to improve safety and prevent future problems.”
Anna Pask - Senior Associate Solicitor

Following the crash involving Mark and Beatrix, Barnet Council is thought to have allocated funding for new signage, road markings and a cross surface close to Martin Primary School. It is also believed to be looking at the potential benefit of traffic lights, while the speed limit is being reduced to 20mph.

Looking back on what happened, Mark said: “I have no memory of the incident itself. I recall walking towards the road and then waking up in The Royal London Hospital afterwards.

“The injuries have had a huge effect on me. I informed the DVLA of my injuries and I have been unable to drive for the last  eight months, which has meant we have had to change holiday plans and it has had an effect on other aspects of our lives. It has just been a hugely stressful time and my wife Cate had to take some time off work to look after me and Beatrix.

“While nothing will change what has happened, it is really pleasing to see the local community look to tackle the issue of crossing around the school and it is great that the council is acting on the matter.

“It is so important that steps are taken to address the issue and it felt like the right time to speak out on this with Road Safety Week approaching. Hopefully lessons can be learned so no other similar issues emerge around schools or anywhere else in the months ahead.”

Road Safety Week will take place from 18 to 24 November.

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