Leicestershire children urged to be safe be seen this winter
| Published: 27th November 2007 10:44 |
Department for Transport (East Midlands)
Leicestershire children urged to be safe be seen this winter
As clocks went back an hour last Sunday (28th October) the THINK! road safety campaign is reminding parents and children to Be Safe Be Seen as the nights draw in.
In 2006, 9 children (aged 4-11) were killed or seriously injured while walking in Leicestershire.
Minister for Road Safety, Jim Fitzpatrick said:
Children need to be extra careful on the roads in the winter months. And at the same time, drivers also need to take extra care and look out for children.
Children need to be extra careful on the roads in the winter months. And at the same time, drivers also need to take extra care and look out for children.
THINK! offers the following tips for parents to help keep children safe and visible on the roads:
* Make sure you can be easily seen, especially at night, on dark days and in bad weather.
* Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, even in dull or misty weather
* In the dark, reflective material is best and shows up in car headlights - remember fluorescent clothing doesn't work after dark. You can put reflective tape on your coat or school bag to help you be seen by drivers.
* It is against the law to cycle at night without a white front light, a red back light and a red reflector at the back, so make sure that your bike is properly equipped and working.
* Cross the road at the safest place possible e.g. zebra, pelican and patrolled crossings. Remember to use the Green Cross Code: Stop, Look, Listen.
* If you're out at night, choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross the road at well-lit places. * If there is no pavement and you have to walk on the road, always face the oncoming traffic - this is particularly important in poor light or in the dark.
* Find out about 'walking buses' where children walk in groups and are more visible by contacting your child's school or your local council.
For more information on how children can stay safe on the roads visit http://www.hedgehogs.gov.uk/, full of interactive advice, games and competitions.
