OVER 36% OF ALL CHILD DEATHS HAPPEN ON ROADS. Road traffic collisions account for 36.7% of all child deaths, and road deaths are the leading cause of child mortality in Ireland.
The greatest danger a child faces each day is when using the public road: when travelling as passengers in a car, walking, or cycling. Just under half of all children who die do so while walking and almost 2 out of 5 children killed are passengers. Garda reports into collisions indicate that 1 in 10 children were not wearing a seatbelt or using a child restraint.
Childens safety is very important and we should not allow any negligence on any aspect of their safety. Children killed on our roads almost tripled last year. 14 children under the age of 15 lost their lives in 2014. Seven were passengers, seven were pedestrians.
While walking on public roads, Small children should not cross roads alone. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is going; Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands and bright clothing; If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic keeping as close as possible to the side of the road; Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and take time to explain why i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings, lollipop lady/man or junior school warden patrol.
Children are our most vulnerable road users but they cannot be responsible for their own safety when using the road. They simply do not have the cognitive skills to be able to recognise danger.
That’s why it’s up to us as adults to do the right thing and protect them. Parents or Guardian must treat children like precious cargo while travelling as passengers in any vehicle, (it is our responsibility & duty to do so) and ensure they are properly restrained. They are incredibly vulnerable to injury because of their size and age. Regardless if you only need to go down the road, or to the local shop there is no room whatsoever for complacency or exceptions – no matter how short the trip.”
As a parents, guardians & driver we must improve the safety of children, they are our future.
Thank you for reading our blog.
Castletown School of Motoring
Francis