12.01.2015
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said the measure, which is already in place in eight European counties, would help to drive down the number of young people killed and injured on the country's roads.
In Italy, children learn road rules and related health considerations in primary school, while in Latvia pupils are tested on road safety every three years. Meanwhile, German students receive two years of training on riding a bicycle in traffic.
"Unless it’s part of the curriculum, it won’t become part of a young person’s thinking and educators won’t be obliged to teach it," said Neil Greig, the IAM's Director of Policy and Research.
"Other countries have teaching on road safety as part of primary and secondary education, so why should we not have it too?"
According to the most recent government figures, there were 15,756 casualties involving children aged 15 and under in 2013.
Calls To Put Road Safety On National Curriculum
Road safety should be a compulsory part of the National Curriculum, with regular testing throughout primary and secondary education, a charity has said.The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said the measure, which is already in place in eight European counties, would help to drive down the number of young people killed and injured on the country's roads.
In Italy, children learn road rules and related health considerations in primary school, while in Latvia pupils are tested on road safety every three years. Meanwhile, German students receive two years of training on riding a bicycle in traffic.
"Unless it’s part of the curriculum, it won’t become part of a young person’s thinking and educators won’t be obliged to teach it," said Neil Greig, the IAM's Director of Policy and Research.
"Other countries have teaching on road safety as part of primary and secondary education, so why should we not have it too?"
According to the most recent government figures, there were 15,756 casualties involving children aged 15 and under in 2013.
Expert Opinion
Improving road safety standards is absolutely crucial as it will play a critical role in reducing the number of serious injuries and fatalities on the road. All too often we see the impact road collisions can have on those involved. <br/> <br/>“Therefore, we would welcome improved education in this area. Teaching children the skills required to stay safe around the road is vital, as they can be particularly vulnerable. They will also become the next generation of motorists and they will be responsible for not only their own safety, but that of other road users, so informing them of the actions they can take to stay safe while behind the wheel and improve road safety is crucial and will hopefully lead to a fall in injuries and fatalities in the future.” Colin Ettinger - Consultant
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