The Facts
The Government has set targets for the year 2010 to reduce all children killed or seriously injuried on the roads by 50%. The reasons for this is:
- Every day at least 10 children aged from 5 to 15 years old are killed or injured on Scotland's roads.
- Half of these children killed or injured are pedestrians.
- Boys are twice as likely to be killed in road accidents than girls
- Most accidents happen during week days
- The worst time for accidents is between 3pm and 6pm on weekdays
- Most road accidents involving children happen within half a mile of their own homes
Crossing the Road
Where possible try to use crossing places such as:-
- Pelican Crossings
- Zebra Crossings
- Subways
- Footbridges
- Traffic Islands
- School Crossing Patrols
Or just find a safe place away from parked cars where you can see clearly both ways along the road.
Safer Routes to School
Many accidents happen on the route to and, in particular, from school. Pupil's risk is increased when they move from Primary to Secondary school. Many children are faced with a different journey to school which may involve using the bus or crossing busy roads for the first time on their own.
Parents and carers can ensure these journeys to school are safer by doing the following:-
- Try out the route with your child by doing a 'dry run' before they start secondary school.
- Make your child familiar with the route to their new school before term begins.
- Pick out the safer places to cross and avoid crossing at busy junctions.
- Point out the dangers to your child
more information can be found in our 'Children as Pedestrians' Leaflet which can be obtained from your local Road Safety Officer.