Child Pedestrians
The UK has a poor road safety record for child pedestrian casualties compared with some other EU countries so this is a priority for Road Safety GB.

Adults in the UK (both drivers and parents) consistently overestimate the ability of children to cope with traffic. Road traffic injuries are the single biggest cause of accidental death for 12 to 16-year-olds. In 2005, 43 young pedestrians aged 12-16 were killed on Britain’s roads. There were also 1,067 serious injuries.

Road Safety GB supports the government’s Child Pedestrian Strategy which lays the responsibility for child pedestrian safety firmly at the door of drivers. We want to see effective practical pedestrian training available for all children. Road Safety GB also encourages parents to accept the responsibility of their children while out and about near the highway.

Be Safe Be Seen
Road Safety GB supports the Government’s Be Safe Be Seen campaign and urges all road users to make sure they can see and be seen more easily. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse-riders should wear fluorescent clothes during the day and reflective ones at night; drivers and riders should ensure their vehicles’ lights work properly and keep them clean.

Child Car Seats
The safety of children in cars is a high priority. New laws introduced in September 2006 made it compulsory for children under age 12 years, or up to 135cms in height, to use the correct child restraint – either a suitable car seat or booster seat. Road Safety GB urges parents to ensure they, and others who drive their children, comply with the law. Road Safety GB also calls on the police to enforce the law with the hard core of drivers who refuse to comply.