As sales of mopeds (4 per cent) and scooters (9.1 per cent) rose from the previous year, the IAM Motoring Trust is calling on parents to take active interest not just in proper training but in instilling the right attitude in young riders who taking to the road on powered two-wheelers.
The IAM Trust's Child Safety Report - A Guide for Parents (published April 2007, see notes to editors) highlighted dangers faced by children and teenagers starting new journey patterns, particularly after leaving school.
"These journeys often involve changes in the way they travel, from walking or public transport to riding or driving.Once young riders receive their compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate, it is vital for parents to encourage not only more training but to get them to develop the right attitude. Sadly, some young men, who have the skills to ride safely, choose not to," says Neil Greig, IAM Trust Director.
"For sound economic, environmental and personal mobility reasons, powered two-wheelers provide a valuable introduction to the demanding practice of travelling independently on Britain's roads. However, even though less than 2 per cent of journeys in the 15-19 age group are made on mopeds scooters and motorcycles, nearly 30 per cent of all fatal and serious injury accidents in this age range are to riders of motorised two-wheelers - and 16-year olds in their first year of riding mopeds are particularly vulnerable."
Although the number of children in Britain who are killed or seriously injured in road accidents each year has halved since 1990, the road toll remains high.About 550 children will lose their lives this year -- 400 of them from the most vulnerable 16 to 19-year age group, where casualties have hardly reduced since 1994.
Notes to editors
The IAM Trust report shows how children become road accident casualties in different ways at different ages.And why parents need to know why, how and when their children are most at risk on the road so that they can take action to minimise the risks
Media Contacts
Neil Greig020 8996 9772 neil.greig@iamtrust.org.uk
Barry Walsh 020 8996 9776 barry.walsh@iamtrust.org.uk
Links
Bike Safe
Motor Cycle Industry Association
Child Safety Report - A Guide for Parents
