As the new term begins, drivers are being urged to be on ‘full alert’ for distracted school children and to anticipate unpredictable behaviour near schools and residential streets.
IAM RoadSmart has expressed concern that some pupils will be more focussed on using the new smartphone they got for Christmas than on looking out for traffic.
The road safety charity points to statistics which show the likelihood of a child being involved in a crash on the way home from school increases by 20% over the winter months.
IAM RoadSmart says children aged between 10-14 years are most at risk, with road crashes accounting for over half of all unexpected causes of death in this age group.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “We urge all drivers to be aware that some youngsters will be more focussed on using the new smartphone they got for Christmas and showing it off to their friends than on looking out for traffic.
“Their minds are often not on crossing the road safely. Drivers need to have all their senses on alert and anticipate unpredictable behaviour near schools and on residential streets in the late afternoon.”
IAM RoadSmart is also reminding parents of the need to play a part in enhancing their children’s road safety knowledge – including regular reminders that they need to pay attention to their journey home.
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