PEDESTRIANS

The UK has a poor record in respect of child pedestrian safety; this is therefore a priority for road safety officers.

Adults in the UK consistently over estimate the ability of children to cope with traffic and have created an environment that is often hostile. LARSOA believes that practical pedestrian training is the most effective way of preparing children to cope with the existing environment.

LARSOA recognises the importance of walking as a sustainable form of transport. It is a popular leisure pursuit, a universal form of transport and has positive health benefits. The safety of pedestrians of all ages is the concern of the road safety officer.

The Association recognises the conflicts that may arise from increasing the levels of walking in view of the pedestrians' vulnerability in current traffic conditions.

LARSOA supports actions that give pedestrians due priority and initiatives that make walking safer and more convenient - particularly those which provide for children, older road users and those with special needs.

LARSOA supports the DETR's child pedestrian strategy, which lays the responsibility for child pedestrian accidents firmly at the door of the car driver.

THE ROLE OF THE RSO
The Association believes that the road safety officer has a role to play in the development of pedestrian polices and strategies. They may also be required to contribute to the introduction of new schemes and pedestrian facilities, particularly during the consultation process and in providing information to the local community as necessary.

A major part of the road safety officer’s job is to equip children with the skills needed to cope with the dangers of traffic. This may include:
• child pedestrian training programmes
• Safe Routes to Schools projects
• support for Walk to School initiatives.Road safety officers will work with teachers to encourage cross-curricular programmes that include pedestrian safety issues.

They also support the DETR pedestrian campaigns and promote safety issues locally.

The road safety officer is responsible for providing education, training and information to pedestrians of all ages.

PEDESTRIAN TRAINING
Road safety officers have been involved in pedestrian skills training for many years. In recent years more formal schemes have been developed and piloted. LARSOA supports such schemes, particularly those that encourage the ongoing involvement of parents.

The safety of children should be given the utmost priority and health and safety guidelines and legislation should be complied with at all times.

No training should be given without the consent of the parents or carers.

It is the role of the road safety professional to ensure that training is provided for instructors and standards are maintained.

HORSE RIDERS
LARSOA supports the BHS riding and road safety test. Road safety officer involvement in this area is determined by local arrangement.

Road safety officers should encourage riders to wear approved helmets and safety gear, including high visibility clothing.