Calls on parents to “set good example” in Child Safety Week

The horrific toll of 8,000 young people aged under 20 killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads each year will be highlighted next week (23 June 2008) by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) as the UK’s leading road safety charity adds its support to Child Safety Week.

Each year around 850 children aged up to seven are killed or seriously injured (KSI) on the road. In addition, 2,600 children aged eight to 15, and 4,500 people aged 16 – 19 are in the KSI figures.

Neil Greig, Director of the IAM Motoring Trust, explained: “For older children, a lack of driver training, inexperience and a ‘blasé’ attitude to safety inherited from their parents combine to make a particularly lethal combination.

“Children learn from the behaviour of their parents. If parents make a small change such as always wearing a seat belt, using designated crossing places and encouraging further driver training, then their children are more likely to follow suit.”

The call comes in support of this year’s Child Accident Prevention Trust Child Safety Week, which runs from 23 to 29 June, with the theme “Make a change. Make a difference”.

Even small changes in parents’ behavior when using the road can make a big difference to the safety of their children.

To support Road Safety Week, the IAM Motoring Trust has produced Children and road safety: a guide for parents, some of the tips include:

Teach by example: act responsibly when you drive, walk or cycle and your children will learn from your behaviour
Take control: be responsible for your children’s safety, from their birth to when they become young adults
Be effective: know where, when and why your children are most at risk

Mr Greig added: “All parents are concerned when their children begin using the road, be it to walk, cycle or drive. The best thing a parent can do to improve the safety of their children when using the road is practice what they preach - if you want your children to be safe, be safe yourself.”