Brake, the road safety charity, will today (23 November) present a survey to Downing Street which shows that 90% of children believe motorists drive too fast in their neighbourhoods.
Other statistics from the survey reveal that 64% of nine – 13 year-olds think the roads around their homes and schools are dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
Brake will also call on the government to put in place a strategy and targets to continue bringing child deaths and serious injuries down, with a long term goal to reduce them to zero.
Julie Townsend, campaigns director at Brake, says: “For a society that places so much importance on the safety and wellbeing of our children, it is shocking and unacceptable that so many children die and suffer injuries on our roads.
“One of the best ways we can protect our children is by slowing down to 20mph when driving in communities – this simple step means you have a good chance of being able to stop in time if a child runs out in front of you.”
For more information contact Julie Townsend on 0208 6772036.
With the validity of children’s opinions being taken so seriously by No.10, perhaps they would advise on defence policies, and our political allegiances to nearby countries.
Derek, St Albans.
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Whilst I don’t always agree with Mr Bridgstock’s previous comments he does have some valid points. Children’s speed perception is pretty poor at the best of times and to quote near miss in factors is ridiculous. How many of these near misses have been caused by children just stepping out into the path of a vehicle (I bet this question wasn’t asked). And with regards to 20mph zones outside schools how many schools in the morning of afternoon can you drive at a higher speed than 20mph?
Supplied, North West
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Children’s perceptions have no place in a safety system. Results, in terms of casualties and collisions, supported by other evidence and argument are what counts.
Ask the same children if they receive enough pocket money, 90% will say NO. Ask them if they believe in Santa Claus, and what would there responses mean?
The results in Portsmouth showed that safety is made worse by 20mph schemes.
Brake has lost the road safety plot – it continues to present speed as the most important factor. I would support them if they promoted hazard perception by drivers and driving within safety margins. Training will have a far better effect on road safety that lowering speed limits and enforcement ever could.
Eric Bridgstock, St Albans
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