‘School run’ parents get a seasonal reminder

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) is asking drivers to take extra care when making the daily commute or school run, in light of International Walk to School Month.

Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research said: “Hopefully more children and parents will be out-and-about in response to October’s International Walk to School Month, but this means that drivers need to take extra care. Children won’t always be paying attention and you should allow more space to compensate for this fact.

“It’s also good to leave the house earlier so you’re not in a hurry. Don’t let the fact you’re running late compromise your concentration and with that, the safety of other road users. With increasingly darker evenings and mornings, and worsening weather conditions, visibility will be poorer, and pedestrians will be rushing to their destinations.”

Parents should make the most of this month to ensure their children know how to use the roads safely. A 12-year-old is three times more likely to be killed or maimed while walking to school than a 10-year-old, reflecting the increased independence of children travelling to secondary school. By making the most of teaching them how to get to school safely while they are younger, they will be better prepared when it comes to having to do the journey on their own.

Mr Greig continues: “Currently 43 per cent of children are driven to school by car, despite the fact that the majority of primary school pupils live within a mile and a half of their school. Any initiative that gets children out of the car and walking is good for their health, the environment, and for decreasing congestion, but it has to be done safely.”