Half of children killed on our roads are pedestrians - Elverys Sports & RSA Launch Back to School Promotion

A report on child road user casualties produced by the Road Safety Authority and co-funded by Elverys Sports shows that a total of 141 children under 14 years of age died and 5,732 suffered serious and minor injuries on our roads between 1998 and 2005.

The report ‘Child Road User Casualties 1998 to 2005’ indicates that just under half (48.9%) of children killed on our roads were pedestrians. Over a third (35%) of children killed were passengers in cars.

The figures were revealed at the launch of the Elvery’s Sports 2007 ‘Back to School’ promotion which is being supported by the Road Safety Authority. Elverys Sports are giving away a free reflective backpack worth €20 with every €50 spent in stores through the back to school period.

On a positive note, between 1998 and 2005 there was a 72% reduction in the number of children under 14 years of age killed on our roads annually.

Commenting on the findings in the report Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA said “There are two important messages here. The first is that over the period the numbers of children being killed on our roads has been dropping steadily. The second, is that to continue this trend parents need to make sure children know the safe cross code, wear high visibility clothing whenever possible and ensure they are belted up or using the correct child car seats on every trip.”

Mr. Patrick Rowland, CEO Elvery’s Sports said ‘’Elverys Sports are delighted to work with the RSA on the research report on child casualties and to be involved in a back to school promotion supported by the RSA. I have no doubt that our back to school promotion will help increase the visibility of children going to and coming from school and help reduce incidents involving school going pedestrians.”

He added that “Families and children are a very important part of our customer base and we see these initiatives in helping reduce child road casualties as a way of rewarding our loyal customers as well as business taking a pro-active approach to help tackle the wider social issue of road safety.”

The figures on road deaths for children were particularly encouraging for those using bicycles. The drop in fatalities between 1998 and 2005 was 100% as no children were killed in either 2004 or 2005 while cycling. However, 472 child cyclists were injured over the period examined.

The RSA also examined the breakdown of road deaths and injuries for children in urban and rural locations. 36% of fatalities and 57.5% of injuries occurred inside built up areas. 64% of fatalities and 42.5% of injuries happened in rural areas. 

Concluding Mr. Brett said “Parents are best placed to teach children about road safety. But remember a child will do as you do, not as you say. So please set a good example yourself. Whether your child is walking to school, travelling by bus, cycling or you are driving your child to school the following safety guidelines apply”.

Travelling by Car:

All children should be restrained when travelling in a car;

Select a restraint that is based on your child’s weight and height and is suitable for the type of car;

Remember its safer if children travel in the rear of a car;

Never leave children alone in a car.

Walking to School:

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.

Travelling by Bus:

Teach children to take special care getting on or off a bus or mini-bus

While waiting for a bus, children should stand well in off the road;

Before crossing the road they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions;

If seatbelts are fitted they must be worn.

Cycle Safety:

Make sure they are highly visible by wearing a reflective belt and bright clothes and wear a bicycle safety helmet on all journeys;

Check that the bicycle’s brakes, lights, reflector and bell are in good working order.