Survey Released As Road Safety Week Kicks Off

More than two in five schoolchildren have been hit or nearly hit by a moving vehicle while on the roads, a new survey from road safety charity Brake has revealed.

Marking the beginning of Road Safety Week (November 17th to 21st), the survey of 5,000 primary school children also found that two-thirds of respondents think the roads in their local area can be dangerous for walking and cycling.

In response to the findings, Brake is calling on road users to slow down to 20mph when travelling in communities, take junctions and bends slower and give other people plenty of room.

According to the charity, nearly a million fixed penalty notices were issued for careless driving and speeding offences last year.

"There are wider consequences if we don't look out for each other on roads - people afraid to walk and cycle or let their kids walk and cycle, and unable to get out and enjoy their community and live active lifestyles," said Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake.

"That's why, instead of making our streets stressful, risky places, we're asking all road users to look out for and protect each other."

Expert Opinion

Road Safety Week is an important time for a focus to be placed on the responsibilities that all road users have on ensuring that they keep themselves and others protected from harm. <br/> <br/>"It is very worrying to see these findings and it is vital that motorists recognise the important role they have to play in terms of safety. <br/> <br/>"This year’s Road Safety Week theme is ‘Look Out For Each Other’ – and it is vital that drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists always adhere to this principle every time they travel." Stephen Nye - Partner