Around 600,000 children will switch from primary to secondary schools this September – but the challenge facing parents should be more than fitting kids for new shoes, but kitting them out for the new journey between home and school, says the IAM.
Around 3000 children will be killed or seriously injured on the road this year, and a change of school is a major danger point for older age groups between ages 11 and 15. In spite of high-profile reporting of violence among children, those aged between five and 14 are five times more likely to die in a road accident than be killed by criminal assault.
“Many children switching to junior or secondary schools will have begged parents to let them start the new term walking or cycling on their own,” says Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust. “Those starting sixth-form colleges may now be using mopeds, motorcycles or cars.
“The change of journey, the new friends and different after-school clubs all put the lives of children at risk.
“Parents can help children by using the last few days of the summer break to practise the route to school together, without the distraction of friends. Help the child identify dangers along the new route and pick safe crossing points now, and they will be better equipped when term begins.”
To help parents educate their children and establish safer road drill before the start of term the IAM Motoring Trust has published a safety guide which highlights dangers specific to different age groups and advice on how to address them. The guide can be downloaded free from www.iamtrustchildsafety.org.uk
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Issued by the IAM Press Office, telephone 020 8996 7777. We have an ISDN line for interviews.
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The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland.
A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.
