Road Safety Information

Facts and Figures

Road accidents are the main cause of fatality and serious injury to children under the age of 16 in the UK.

Over 33,000 children under the age of 16 were injured in 2003. 171 of these children were killed.

Pedestrian injury is the leading cause of accidental death, with 74 child pedestrians killed in 2003 in Great Britain. A further 2,307 were seriously injured. A total of 12,544 children were injured as pedestrians.

Most pedestrian injuries to children take place near to or on their way to or from home. Almost twice as many boys than girls are killed or seriously injured as pedestrians in the UK, which has one of the highest child pedestrian death rates in Europe.

Cycling injuries and fatalities are less numerous but still a major cause of accidental death and serious injury.

18 cyclists under the age of 16 were killed in road accidents in 2003, most as a result of being hit by a vehicle. A further 577 were seriously injured. 4,174 cyclists under 16 suffer less severe injuries in road accidents. 70% of all cycling deaths and over half of all cycling injuries involve a head injury.

Over 23,000 children go to hospital as a result of cycle accidents off the roads (i.e. at home, in parks etc.).

The Government has set a target for the reduction of children killed or seriously injured by 50% by the year 2010.

General Tips and Advice

Our roads these days are having to cope with more and more traffic than ever before. A child is more at risk of being involved in a road accident at the age when they start school, and up until the age of nine, most children can't judge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are.

For this reason it is vital that you teach your child road safety as soon as possible.

Ages 4 and under - Holding their hand

It is imortant that you start to teach your child the importance of road safety as soon as possible. Start by explaining what traffic is and how you should behave with it.
Make sure your child walks on the side of the pavement away from the traffic. Hold their hand, keep them on a rein, in a buggy or a pushchair.
Set a good example for your child as they will copy your example.

5 - 6 Year Olds - Leading the Way

Teach your child the Green Cross Code - STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!
Start practicing on quiet roads. Firstly by crossing together, then letting your child lead you across and finally by letting them cross while you wait behind, watching carefully.

7 - 9 Year Olds - The Green Cross Code

Explain the Green Cross Code fully to your child. When you are sure they know and understand it let them cross quiet roads where you have been practising, watching and testing before you let them do it alone. Gradually cross busier roads but do this many times before letting them cross alone.
As well as how to cross the road teach your child other aspects of good road side behaviour.
Make sure your child can be seen by road users by them wearing brightly coloured clothing or fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.

10 - 15 Year Olds - Independence.

Make sure your child takes road safety seriously. Keep talking to them about the dangers.
Make sure they are aware of what is happening around them and are not distracted by personal stereos, mobile phones or friends.

Cycling on the roads

Check to see which cycle training courses are available at your child's school and encourage them to take one if possible.
Make sure your child wears a safety helmet, wear one yourself to set an example.
Make sure that your child's bike is in good working order. Make sure it is the right size, that the front and rear lights are working.
If there are special cycle lanes and paths available make sure your child knows where they are.
As well as traffic make your child aware of pedestrians particularly young children and the elderly.

The Green Cross Code

The Green Cross Code is guide for everyone showing you how to cross the road safely.

1. THINK FIRST
Find the safest place to cross, then stop.

If possible cross the road using zebra crossings, pelican crossings, traffic light crossings, subways and footbridges or where possible where there is a police officer, school crossing or traffic warden.

2. STOP
Stand on the pavement near the kerb

Give yourself lots of time and have a good look around. Stand well back from the kerb where you will be away from traffic but where traffic can clearly see you.

3. USE YOUR EYES AND EARS
Look all around for traffic and listen.

Look in every direction. Listen carefully, you can sometimes hear traffic before you can see it.

4. WAIT UNTIL IT'S SAFE TO CROSS
If traffic is coming let it pass.

Do not cross unless there is a safe gap and you are sure there is plenty of time. If you are not sure then don't cross.

5. LOOK AND LISTEN
When it is safe, walk straight across the road.

Always walk across the road, never run.

6. ARRIVE ALIVE
Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross.

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