Students back campaign targeting their peers

A new campaign is aiming to safeguard young people after figures showing that 58% of serious and fatal road collisions involving 11-17-year-olds occur during the winter months – with many down to a failure to look properly.

Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) launched the campaign with the help of students from Stockton Riverside College, and colleagues from police and fire services, in an effort to reduce the number of young pedestrians and cyclists hurt and killed on the region’s roads.

RSGB NE says that during the last five years, two-thirds of collisions involving young pedestrians were at least partially caused by their failure to look before stepping out.

Failing to look properly also featured prominently in child cyclist injuries  – but this was often due to the driver failing to see the young person on their bike.

During the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, 1,141 young pedestrians and cyclists aged 11–17 were injured on North East roads. Of these, six were killed and 286 were left with serious injuries.

Boys accounted for two-thirds of the total casualties, increasing to 72% of serious injuries and 83% of fatalities. The most high-risk group is 13-year-old boys.

Peter Slater, chair of RSGB NE, said: “We are urging young people to ‘stay bright’ during the winter months so they are visible, and to stop and look before stepping out.

“We are asking parents to talk to their children and teenagers about the risks when they are out and about with their friends. A failure to look by young pedestrians and cyclists, and distraction from friends or mobile phones, are an increasing risk, but they can be easily avoided.

“We are asking all pedestrians and cyclists to pay attention, take out their earbuds and make sure they look both ways before crossing. However, drivers also need to slow down and stay below the limit, particularly in built-up areas and near schools. Keeping young people safe is everyone’s responsibility.

The students have helped produce a pair of social media videos to highlight common risks and promote safety advice for young people.

One of them, Keiran Beattie-Lewis, 17, said: “A single mistake can cost you your future. When you’re out at night, it’s even harder for drivers to see you, so it’s up to you to make sure you’re visible. Remember, be bright, be seen, and stay safe on the roads at night.”

Another student, Lily Richardson Vipan, 18, added: “I wanted to get involved in this campaign because I’m at the age where I’m learning to drive, and now I’m becoming more aware of everything around me when out at night. It’s important that everyone takes their time and is prepared. We can all make it a safer place.”